Kaito Ono's Crucial Rematch for ONE Championship Survival
A fighter still aiming for his inaugural ONE Championship victory is set to face a rematch that could significantly shape his future with the organization.
The winner of the eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament will earn a direct shot at the reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, Superbon. The tournament's opening round features a rematch between Mohammad Siasarani and Kaito Ono, scheduled for ONE SAMURAI 2, which will be broadcast live from Tokyo’s EBARA WAVE Arena Ota on Saturday, August 8.
Siasarani previously defeated Kaito via unanimous decision in May 2025, marking a disappointing debut for the Japanese fighter in the promotion. Furthermore, Kaito has experienced two subsequent losses since joining ONE, including a defeat to Marat Grigorian at ONE SAMURAI 1 in April. Now, competing on home soil, he is still striving for his first win within the organization.
"To establish myself as a prominent figure and demonstrate my capabilities as a fighter, one must overcome recognized opponents. I have a history of doing so, and I intend to repeat that success," he stated.
"I estimate I've had around 11 fights in ONE, and in approximately seven or eight of those, I was considered the underdog. I thrive in that role. I perform better when the public perceives me as the underdog, as it fuels my determination to train harder and secure victories. I find motivation in such perceptions."
Mohammad Siasarani's Path to Superbon
A victory against Kaito would propel Siasarani into the tournament semifinals, bringing him one step closer to a highly anticipated showdown with Superbon. Siasarani views Superbon, a training partner and idol, as a potential opponent he has only encountered in the gym.
For Kaito, the situation is more pressing. Two consecutive defeats on ONE's global platform necessitate a decisive performance in front of his home crowd to revitalize the narrative surrounding his career within the promotion.
"Superbon is someone I consider a friend. I've admired him from a young age, learned from his techniques, and even trained alongside him. I hold him in high regard. However, in the competitive world of combat sports, personal relationships and respect must be set aside during a fight. We are all vying for that championship," he remarked.
"I would welcome the opportunity to face him. It represents a dream matchup for me, and I believe I possess the skill level to compete at that stage. Many fighters who were once my idols are individuals I have since defeated. My hope is that Superbon will be the next."
Kaito Ono Needs a Victory Over Siasarani to Salvage His ONE Championship Career
A fighter who has yet to secure his first win in ONE Championship is facing a crucial rematch that could define his entire tenure with the promotion.
An automatic shot at the reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, Superbon, awaits the victor of the eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament. The bracket opens with a quarterfinal rematch between Mohammad Siasarani and Kaito Ono, set to take place at ONE SAMURAI 2, which will stream live from Tokyo’s EBARA WAVE Arena Ota on Saturday, August 8.
Siasarani defeated Kaito by unanimous decision in May 2025, spoiling the Japanese star's promotional debut. Adding to the pressure, Kaito has since suffered two more losses in ONE, including a defeat to Marat Grigorian at ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April. He now enters his home country still searching for his first win within the organization.
"To become a prominent name and prove I am a skilled fighter, one must defeat notable opponents. I have achieved this multiple times before, and I intend to do so again," he stated.
"I believe I've had about 11 fights in ONE, and in perhaps seven or eight of them, I was considered the underdog. I relish that position. I feel more motivated when people see me as the underdog, as it provides extra impetus to train and win. I appreciate being viewed in that manner."
Mohammad Siasarani's Pursuit of a Matchup with Superbon
A win against Kaito would advance Siasarani to the tournament semifinals and bring him one step closer to a dream bout with Superbon, a training partner and idol he has only faced in the gym.
For Kaito, the situation is more urgent. Two consecutive losses on ONE's global platform have put him in a position where he needs a standout performance in front of his home fans simply to shift the narrative surrounding his career in the promotion.
"Superbon is a friend of mine. I've watched him since I was young, learned from him, and trained with him. I have a great deal of respect for him. However, in this sport, once we step into the ring, friendship and respect cannot influence the competition. We are all competing for that title," he said.
"I would be thrilled to fight him. It's a dream matchup for me, but I believe I am already at that level. Many fighters who were once my idols are individuals I have already defeated. Hopefully, Superbon will be next."
Fresh materials — UFC News

UFC 332: Most Fighters Make Weight, Ribovics Loses Purse Percentage
The UFC 332 weigh-ins went smoothly for nearly all athletes, with Esteban Ribovics being the sole exception. Ribovics' lightweight bout against King Green will now proceed at a catchweight. Green successfully weighed in at 155.5 pounds, but Ribovics exceeded the limit at 156.5 pounds. As a

Joe Rogan Urges Sean Sharaf to Consider Retirement After UFC 331 Upset
Sean Sharaf, a heavyweight fighter in the UFC, achieved a major upset at UFC 331 last month. Early in his bout against Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, Sharaf secured a knockout. This marked Steveson's first professional MMA defeat. The result surprised many, as Steves

Duangdawnoi Targets Early Finish Against Seiberth at The Inner Circle 33
Duangdawnoi Looksaikongdin, an undefeated Thai atomweight, has reviewed her upcoming opponent Aline Seiberth's fight footage. Seiberth, a Swiss debutant with 30 wins, poses a threat that Duangdawnoi believes she can overcome. The pair are set to compete in the atomweight Muay Thai co-main event of

Deiveson Figueiredo Eyes Joshua Van Clash After UFC 332 Flyweight Return Commitment
Deiveson Figueiredo, the former UFC flyweight champion, is targeting a fight with Joshua Van upon his return to the 125-pound division. Figueiredo has committed “200%” to making the flyweight cut again after his upcoming bantamweight bout at UFC 332. Joshua Van recently defended his flywe

Joshua Van, Manel Kape Trade Barbs Ahead of Potential Title Clash: 'Finally Came Out of Hiding'
Joshua Van and Manel Kape are exchanging heated words, hinting at an upcoming title fight. Van recently retained his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja via decision at UFC 301. Following this win, Kape appeared set for the next title shot. Although no bout is officially scheduled, th

Paddy Pimblett Suggests The Ultimate Fighter for Ilia Topuria Feud
UFC lightweight contenders Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria might feature in a revived season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2027. Pimblett, who recently returned to winning ways with a submission victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329, and Topuria, a former lightweight champion, could be