Following a dominant performance that cemented his status as the division`s premier talent, Japan`s Nadaka Yoshinari has publicly detailed an aggressive and challenging blueprint for his future in combat sports. Having just claimed the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship, the 24-year-old superstar has wasted no time setting his sights on the next frontier: the world of kickboxing.
Dominance Confirmed, Ambition Unleashed
Yoshinari’s recent victory over Thailand’s Numsurin at ONE 173 in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena was nothing short of historic. The landslide win secured him the coveted Atomweight Muay Thai belt, adding another major accolade to an already glittering resume that includes titles from Lumpinee, Rajadamnern, and the WBC.
Speaking at a press conference the day after his monumental achievement, Yoshinari articulated a roadmap that suggests he views his current title not as a peak, but as a temporary base camp before scaling higher mountains.
“Defending the belt gives it value. I want to defend it once, twice, maybe three times,” Yoshinari stated. “After that, there are a lot of different challenges within ONE. If opponents get scarce, moving up in weight or taking catchweight fights against bigger fighters could be exciting. And like Tawanchai and Superbon, the idea of testing myself under kickboxing rules really excites me. It boosts my motivation.”
This statement confirms a trend seen at the highest levels of ONE Championship. Athletes are no longer content specializing in a single discipline but are aiming for mastery across multiple rule sets. The move echoes the highly successful transitions made by Muay Thai legends Superbon and Tawanchai, both of whom added world-class kickboxing titles to their respective collections.
The Technical Transition: Rules and Rivals
For a fighter as technically gifted as Yoshinari, the transition to kickboxing (which prohibits clinch work, elbows, and certain sweeps) represents an interesting technical evolution. It forces reliance purely on explosive hand combinations and low/middle kicks, placing a premium on speed and positioning—areas where the Japanese fighter excels.
Crucially, the Atomweight kickboxing division within ONE Championship has not yet established an official championship belt. However, the promotional interest is clear. ONE has previously hosted Atomweight kickboxing bouts, featuring notable talents such as former K-1 champion Toma Kuroda.
Should Yoshinari fully commit to the kickboxing transition, a dream match immediately looms large: a clash with pound-for-pound Japanese standout Kazuki Osaki. Osaki, who is a natural fit for the Atomweight category, has previously hinted at a move to ONE Championship. A potential bout between Yoshinari and Osaki would not only be a monumental all-Japanese affair but would instantly legitimize any newly established Atomweight kickboxing championship.
However, the execution of this super-fight remains complex. Osaki is currently focused on securing the Rajadamnern title at RWS, suggesting that while the rivalry is highly anticipated by fans and analysts, it may require strategic patience from ONE Championship’s matchmakers.
The Quest for Uniqueness
Yoshinari`s ambition is a clear sign that the era of specialized combat sports mastery is giving way to the age of the multi-disciplinary champion. By aiming to conquer both Muay Thai and kickboxing at the highest level—and potentially moving up in weight to seek challenges—Yoshinari is not merely chasing belts; he is defining a legacy. In an organization that values versatility, the Japanese Atomweight champion is setting himself up to become one of the most uniquely accomplished fighters in martial arts history.
Ellis Thorne