Avazbek Kholmirzaev Targets Flyweight Gold Against Yuya Wakamatsu At ONE SAMURAI 1
Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev has moved through ONE Championship’s flyweight MMA division at a pace that has surprised almost everyone. He is not one of them.
The 25-year-old Uzbek contender challenges ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu at ONE SAMURAI 1, live from Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Wednesday, April 29. Nine wins in the promotion, six in a row, and eight finishes have brought him to this moment. His reaction to getting here is characteristically measured.
“Everything happened quite fast. But there is a lot of hard work behind it,” Kholmirzaev said. “I’m grateful and I just keep working. It means a lot to me. It’s a great opportunity and I’m happy to compete on such a stage.”
Wakamatsu is the sternest test of that climb. The Japanese champion has been finishing opponents with one-punch power while simultaneously shoring up his grappling and takedown defence, making him one of the most complete flyweights on the planet. Kholmirzaev has studied the problems Wakamatsu poses and arrived at a clear answer.
“Wakamatsu is a very good fighter, strong and experienced. Strong opponents push you to grow and become better. But inside the ring there is no friendship. I am coming to win,” he said. “He has improved a lot in grappling. I will just try to show my own game. My game plan is to control the fight, stay focused, and use my skills in all areas — striking, wrestling, and grappling. I am ready for every situation.”
Doing this in front of a partisan Japanese crowd on the biggest stage of his career does not register as pressure for Kholmirzaev. The hard work has already been done. What remains is execution.
“I feel ready and confident. I have prepared very hard for this fight, both physically and mentally,” he said. “Fans can expect an exciting and high-level fight. I will come forward, fight with heart, and look for the finish. This is just the beginning — I am coming for the top.”
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