Ben “The Problem” Woolliss Fires Back at Yuki Yoza Ahead of Bantamweight Showdown

The Rivalry Heats Up

Ben “The Problem” Woolliss is set to face Japanese veteran Yuki Yoza in a bantamweight kickboxing clash at The Inner Circle 22. The bout will take place on Friday, July 17, and will stream from Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium via live.onefc.com. Yoza’s recent dig branding Woolliss a “social media fighter” has added fuel to the fire just hours before the fight. The 32‑year‑old Englishman says he will not let the comment slide. Advertisements

Recent Fight Record and Ambitions

Woolliss made his ONE Championship debut in March with a first‑round TKO win over former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker. Two months later he suffered a tough loss to Petchtanong Petchfergus, the promotion’s former bantamweight kickboxing ruler. The British striker now eyes a ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title opportunity, a goal that has taken on a more personal edge after Yoza’s remarks. He has overcome Crohn’s disease and says his career is driven by something deeper than online metrics. Advertisements

Woolliss Speaks Out

In a candid statement, Woolliss explained that his dedication to martial arts predates social media by many years. He emphasized that fighting has been his life for two decades and that metrics are secondary. “Let’s see Friday night who’s really about it,” he added, highlighting that the comment only fuels his determination. The fighter’s words were posted alongside an Instagram embed, reinforcing his message. Advertisements

“I was fighting long before social media was ever a thing. I was living inside of gyms before Instagram was even a thing. This has been my life. I have lived, breathed, and slept martial arts for the last 20 years. Social media is just a byproduct. I couldn’t care less about numbers or about social media.”

“Let’s see Friday night who’s really about it. That only fuels me to prove more. Like I say, social media is secondary. I don’t care. I care for the pure martial arts, competition, and fighting, and that’s what I’ve lived and dedicated my entire existence over the last 20 years for. I wasn’t a kid sleeping inside of the gym on a blue mattress for three years chasing World Titles just because I cared about Instagram. So, let’s see.”

What’s at Stake for the Title Chase

If Woolliss lands the victory, he moves another step closer to a world title shot in the bantamweight kickboxing division. The bout against Yoza is now framed as a personal vendetta, which could sharpen his focus inside the ring. Overcoming a former champion and a battle with a serious health condition adds depth to his narrative. The outcome will likely shape the short‑term outlook for both fighters’ title ambitions.

Final Words

Woolliss concluded with a defiant tone, stating he knows his capabilities and will showcase them on fight night. He dismissed concerns about Yoza’s possible underestimation and emphasized his own preparation. The Englishman’s determination underscores his reputation as “The Problem” in the sport. Fans can expect a high‑intensity clash when the two meet under the bright lights of Lumpinee Stadium. Advertisements

“I feel like he’s probably underestimating us, but I don’t care at this point about what anyone thinks or what he’s thinking. I know what I’m capable of, I know what I can do, and Friday night I’m going to come and show it.”

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