“I'm the best” - Yuki Yoza beaming with confidence after big win over Superlek at ONE 173

Former K-1 Champion Yuki Yoza of Japan notched the biggest win of his career at ONE 173 on Nov. 16.

In front of his hometown fans at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, the talented Japanese striker cemented his place among the elite by outclassing Superlek Kiatmoo9 of Thailand in their flyweight kickboxing showdown.

Yoza entered this make-or-break showdown with all the confidence in the world, and he backed it up with a marvelous display.

The Team Vasileus representative walked Superlek down relentlessly, picked him apart with precision combinations, and repeatedly chopped at the Thai star's legs with his signature calf kicks.

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Speaking during the ONE 173 post-fight interviews, Yoza admitted he needed to prepare himself physically and mentally for this fight:

"So up until I stepped into this Circle, I kept the mindset that I was the weakest fighter on this planet, but as soon as I stepped in, I switched it up to saying that I'm the best. And going against Superlek, such an amazing opponent, I believed in myself, my team, and everyone who came to support me. Thank you, everybody."

Despite his outstanding showing, Yoza said it still wasn’t his best performance, but he was glad to come out victorious:

“So the reason, while basically I'm just doing my training 1 percent every day, I was able to get my hard shots in. I really wanted to get a clean one in, finish him, and get that bonus, but at least I walked away with the victory."

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Nabil Anane reveals dislike for Yuki Yoza

Nabil Anane also emerged victorious at ONE 173, besting Hiromi Wajima via unanimous decision.

The reigning ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion called out Jonathan Haggerty, wishing to challenge him for the bantamweight kickboxing world title.

Meanwhile, Yuki Yoza believes he also deserves a shot at 26 pounds of gold after beating Superlek, putting him on a collision course with the towering Algerian-Thai.

Speaking to ONE after the event, Anane admitted he's not fond of Yoza:

"Soon [we'll fight]. He talks sh** all the time. He doesn't have much respect. I don't have respect for him too."

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Edited by Aziel Karthak