Yuki Yoza vs. Ben Woolliss at The Inner Circle 22

Yoza’s Comeback Story and Recent Setback

Former K‑1 champion Yuki Yoza has spent the last year work­ing his way back to the top of the bantamweight kick‑boxing scene. The 28‑year‑old built a five‑year unbeaten streak that included three consecutive wins over Elbrus “The Samurai” Osmanov, former champion Petchtanong Petchfergus and flyweight king “The Kicking Machine” Superlek. That momentum halted when Jonathan “The General” Haggerty stopped him by unanimous decision at ONE SAMURAI 1 in Tokyo last April. Yoza called the loss “rock bottom,” saying he felt his life was over and that the defeat left him angry and deeply frustrated. He now views his next bout as the perfect chance to erase that chapter.

Ben “The Problem” Woolliss: A Respectful Rivalry

Ben “The Problem” Woolliss has staked his claim as Yoza’s next obstacle at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, July 17. The Englishman has spoken openly about the threat Yoza poses, questioning how effective his striking arsenal will be in a five‑round test. Yoza counters that Woolliss appears to be a “social‑media fighter” who priorities numbers over raw talent. The two fighters have already crossed swords in the media, setting the stage for a clash that promises to blend tactical depth with personal bragging rights.

How Yoza Plans to Differ from His Last Fight

Yoza insists he is no longer the fighter Haggerty faced in April, emphasizing a noticeable upgrade in his game. He expects Woolliss to mirror Haggerty’s approach, but believes the level gap will be decisive. “Even if Ben tries to copy the same strategy, I am not the same athlete,” he explained. The Japanese kick‑boxer added that his training camp has been grueling, aiming to channel that frustration into a sharper, more aggressive performance at “The Madison Square Garden of the East.”

Stepping Into Lumpinee Stadium on July 17

The Inner Circle 22 will livestream the Yoza‑Woolliss bout and the rest of the Asia primetime card exclusively on live.onefc.com. The event marks Yoza’s return to the global stage after a year of rebuilding and serves as a key promotional showcase for the ONE FCS brand. Both fighters have highlighted the importance of this matchup for their respective title aspirations. Fans can watch the action unfold live from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

Title Implications and Future Fight Outlook

Should Yoza defeat Woolliss, the immediate next name on his radar is Jonathan Haggerty, who is slated to defend his bantamweight kick‑boxing title against former champion Hiroki Akimoto at ONE SAMURAI 4 on October 17. A strong showing now would position Yoza squarely back in the world‑title conversation. The 28‑year‑old has repeatedly stated that the belt is his ultimate goal and that he wants to clear each step methodically. For now, his mindset is singular: secure victory at The Inner Circle 22 and let the rest of the journey unfold.