Kana Morimoto says she learned many lessons from loss to Phetjeeja: “I was able to feel and experience a lot of different things”

Four-time K-1 Champion Kana Morimoto of Japan always views setbacks as learning opportunities to continue her growth as a martial artist.

'Krusher Queen' was admittedly devastated after losing her world title opportunity against reigning ONE atomweight kickboxing queen Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom at ONE 172 in March.

She poured her heart and soul into five grueling rounds against the tough Thai champion, only to fall short on the scorecards.

While saddened, Kana remains grateful that Phetjeeja's technical brilliance exposed areas needing improvement in her game.

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The 33-year-old shared the humbling experience in a recent South China Morning Post (SCMP) interview:

“In that fight, that was the greatest technician I had ever faced in my career. From a three-minute, five-round fight, I was able to feel and experience a lot of different things during the fight. I was also able to see what I was capable of and what I couldn’t take.”

The Team Aftermath athlete continued:

“It was a great experience for me to learn what I can improve for this fight, and since Stamp has a different style compared to Phetjeeja, I’m trying to overcome some weaknesses that I learned from the Phetjeeja fight.”

Kana will look to apply the lessons she learned from that defeat when she faces former three-sport ONE World Champion Stamp Fairtex in an atomweight kickboxing clash on November 16 at ONE 173 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

Watch the full interview:

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Kana looks for atonement in crucial bout with Stamp

Apart from losing her opportunity to claim ONE Championship gold, Kana Morimoto also rues letting her hometown fans down at the Saitama Super Arena last March.

At ONE 173, she has an opportunity to redeem herself against Stamp Fairtex. This time, 'Krusher Queen' is not letting it slip through her fingers.

"This fight is a non-title fight, meaning three-round, three-minute fight. And since I lost my last match, I'm planning to be aggressive," she told SCMP.

Get the ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri PPV to watch this kickboxing clash live.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim