Yuki Yoza steps into the biggest fight of his life carrying more than personal ambition on his shoulders. The 27-year-old Japanese striker bears the weight of avenging his teammate’s crushing defeat when he faces ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 173 on November 16.

The former K-1 Champion fights for Team Vasileus stablemate Takeru Segawa, who suffered systematic destruction at Superlek’s punches and kicks at ONE 165. The memory of that punishment still haunts their entire camp.

“The Kicking Machine” methodically dismantled Takeru over five rounds, using bone-crushing leg kicks and clinical boxing to reduce the former three-division K-1 Champion to nothing. Round after round, Superlek pounded Takeru’s lead leg until the Japanese icon could barely stand.

The physical damage left Takeru limping for weeks. The mental toll cut deeper, sending the 34-year-old into a spiral so crushing he seriously considered retirement after losing in front of his home crowd.

Now Takeru sees opportunity for redemption through his younger teammate. While he faces Denis Puric on the same Tokyo card, the veteran has spent weeks helping craft the perfect game plan to neutralize Superlek’s arsenal.

“I’m really excited. I believe Yuki can definitely beat him,” Takeru said. “If I can use my experience to help him even a little, I’d love for our team to get revenge through him.”

Yoza embraces the responsibility completely. This transcends personal achievement. He’s fighting for his senior, his team, and the redemption Takeru desperately craves but cannot pursue himself.

The Team Vasileus standout has been spectacular since joining ONE, defeating Russian powerhouse Elbrus Osmanov before outclassing former bantamweight kickboxing ruler Petchtanong Petchfergus to extend his winning streak to 12 fights.

But Superlek represents elite competition entirely. The 29-year-old Thai superstar boasts victories over legends like Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Jonathan Haggerty, and Takeru himself.

Yoza understands the magnitude while remaining focused on his ultimate prize beyond revenge — a shot at reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Haggerty.

“I’ll take care of it,” he said. “I’m definitely going to win.”

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