A compelling bantamweight showdown is confirmed as Japan`s Yuki Yoza prepares to meet Russia`s unbeaten Elbrus Osmanov under the ONE Championship banner.
ONE Championship has officially announced the upcoming debut of former K-1 lightweight champion, Yuki Yoza. He is scheduled to face the undefeated Russian competitor, Elbrus Osmanov, at ONE Friday Fights 109 on May 23.
This period has been remarkably fast-paced for the Japanese fighter. Within a mere two weeks, Yoza announced his departure from K-1, relinquished his title, signed with ONE Championship, and finalized his first fight date with the promotion.
Yoza previously held the number one rank in Beyond Kickboxing`s -64 kg category, a position secured after defeating former champion Taio Asahisa twice since 2022. He enters this bout on an impressive ten-fight winning streak and is transitioning to a higher weight class, moving from 62.5 kg to compete in ONE’s 65.8 kg bantamweight division. Known for his dynamic striking style, Yoza possesses a strong foundation in Kyokushin Karate and holds the distinction of being the youngest IKO world champion in history, having won the title at just 19 years old.
His opponent, the 23-year-old Elbrus Osmanov, boasts a perfect professional record of 12 wins and zero losses and is widely regarded as a significant rising talent in ONE`s bantamweight ranks. Despite achieving a flawless 6-0 record within the promotion, the fighter representing Team Mehdi Zatout had not yet been awarded a long-term contract until recently, adding an extra layer of motivation to this high-profile matchup.
Ellis Thorne