Avazbek Kholmirzaev (16-2, 10-1 ONE) became the new ONE Championship flyweight MMA champion at ONE Samurai 1 in Japan by knocking out Yuya Wakamatsu in the second round at 4:53. The 25-year-old demonstrated high-level striking, excellent timing, creativity, and a finishing instinct in his performance. The event also featured Takeru Segawa's TKO victory over Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the interim kickboxing flyweight title, marking Rodtang's first stoppage loss in 13 years. Other notable results included Jonathan Haggerty defending his bantamweight kickboxing title and Itsuki Hirata submitting Ritu Phogat with a rear-naked choke.
Avazbek Kholmirzaev claimed the ONE Championship flyweight MMA title at ONE Samurai 1 in Japan on April 30, stopping Yuya Wakamatsu by knockout in the second round at the 4:53 mark to become the promotion's new champion at 125 pounds.
Kholmirzaev, who carried a 16-2 overall record and a 10-1 mark inside the ONE Championship cage into the contest, is just 25 years old. His performance drew attention for sharp striking, precise timing, and a clear instinct for finishing fights — qualities that proved decisive against a durable opponent in Wakamatsu.
The flyweight title fight was not the only marquee moment of the evening. Takeru Segawa stopped Rodtang Jitmuangnon to claim the interim ONE flyweight kickboxing title via TKO, a result made historically significant by the fact that it represented Rodtang's first stoppage defeat in 13 years. Jonathan Haggerty also performed on the card, successfully defending his bantamweight kickboxing championship. In the women's mixed martial arts action, Itsuki Hirata submitted Ritu Phogat with a rear-naked choke.
Why it matters
- Kholmirzaev's title victory at age 25 establishes him as a long-term threat atop the ONE flyweight division with a strong finishing record to back it up.
- Rodtang's first stoppage loss in over a decade reshapes the ONE flyweight kickboxing landscape and raises immediate questions about the division's hierarchy.
- Haggerty's successful defense reinforces his hold on the bantamweight kickboxing throne, while Hirata's submission win keeps her relevant in a competitive women's MMA bracket.
