Mohammad Siasarani Has Learned To Love Being Doubted Ahead Of ONE SAMURAI 2
Being underestimated has never bothered Mohammad Siasarani. If anything, it has become his favorite fuel.
The Iranian striker meets Japanese veteran Kaito Ono for a second time in the quarterfinals of the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament at ONE SAMURAI 2, streaming live from Tokyo’s EBARA WAVE Arena Ota on Saturday, August 8. Siasarani already beat Kaito by unanimous decision in May 2025, but he insists this rematch is about proving that result was no accident.
“To become a big name and prove that you are a good fighter, you have to defeat big names. I have already done that many times, and I’m going to do it again,” he said.
That mentality has carried the 24-year-old through a career built almost entirely on being picked against. Wins over Liu Mengyang, Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, and Jo Nattawut have made him one of the division’s most dangerous names, yet he still walks into most fights as the underdog.
“I think I have had 11 fights in ONE, and in maybe seven or eight of them, I was considered the underdog,” he said.
“I love being in that position. I feel much better when people see me as the underdog because it gives me even more motivation to train and win. I like when people think about me that way.”
Winning would push Siasarani into the semifinals and one step closer to the matchup he has envisioned since he was young. Superbon, the reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, is both a training partner and a childhood idol.
That relationship, Siasarani makes clear, will mean nothing once the bell rings.
“Superbon is a friend of mine. I have watched him since I was young, learned from him, and trained with him. I respect him a lot. But in this sport, once we fight, friendship and respect cannot affect the competition. All of us are coming for that title.
“I would love to fight him. It is a dream matchup for me, but I believe I am already at that level. Many fighters who were once my idols are people I have already defeated. Hopefully, Superbon will be next.”
READ MORE: How Nabil Anane Found An Unexpected Gift Inside His Darkest Night
Recent posts
