ONE SAMURAI Tournament Bits the Final Two Bouts
Grigorian Takes On Usubyan
Three‑time Glory champion Marat Grigorian is set to face Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan on August 7 at The Inner Circle 25 in Bangkok. The Armenian veteran will stream live on live.onefc.com from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium. Grigorian arrives on a three‑fight winning streak that includes a 29‑second knockout of Kaito Ono at ONE SAMURAI 1, extending his overall record to 70‑14. He also stopped Abdelali Zahidi and out‑worked Rukiya Anpo earlier this year, showcasing a resurgence that positions him for a title shot. The winner of this showdown will advance to challenge reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
Usubyan Looks to Cement a Perfect ONE Record
Mamuka Usubyan, a 32‑year‑old Armenian‑born Russian, enters the bracket on a flawless 4‑0 promotional run that includes a unanimous‑decision victory over Enzo Kartoum at ONE Friday Fights 158. His professional ledger stands at 24‑2, and his versatility shines through wins over Shadow Mavinn, Khunsuek Superbon Training Camp, and Yassin Airad across varied rule sets. Defeating Grigorian would eliminate a top tournament favorite and instantly turn Usubyan into a genuine World Title contender. A win would keep Grigorian’s path to Superbon on track while extending Usubyan’s unbeaten streak.
Takagi Faces Luo in a Debut Showcase
Japan’s Kosuke “Unstoppable Phoenix” Takagi, a 28‑year‑old shoot‑boxing champion with an 8‑2 professional record and four knockouts, makes his ONE debut in the eight‑man featherweight kickboxing tournament. He clashes with China’s Luo Chao on August 8 at the EBARA WAVE Arena Ota, streamed from the event ONE SAMURAI 2. Luo arrives with a 43‑11 career résumé, 18 knockouts, and a recent split‑decision win over Brazil’s Denis Souza Jr. in May 2026 after transitioning from ONE Hero Series. The matchup pits Takagi’s disciplined boxing against Luo’s battle‑tested striking, setting up a potential title showdown later in the bracket.
Noiri Seeks Revenge, Ono Returns to the Fold
Former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing champion Masaaki Noiri will chase a rematch against “Spirit Dragon” Liu Mengyang, aiming to reverse a prior loss in their rivalry. Meanwhile, Japanese star Kaito Ono steps back into the ring to face Iranian powerhouse Mohammad Siasarani, marking a familiar setting for Ono’s high‑stakes competition. Both bouts add depth to the tournament and could shake up the playoff picture for a shot at Superbon. The heightened stakes ensure each fight carries weight beyond simple progression.
Path to a Title Shot Awaits
The eight‑man featherweight kickboxing field is now set, with every pairing designed to surface a challenger for Superbon’s belt. Grigorian and Usubyan headline the first night, while Takagi and Luo open the second evening, followed by Noiri versus Liu Mengyang and Ono versus Siasarani. Victories here will not only advance contestants but also accelerate their claims to the coveted World Title. Fans can expect fireworks as each fighter vies for the prize that sits atop the division’s hierarchy.
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