ONE Championship

There will be little time for Nadaka Yoshinari to celebrate his kickboxing debut win.

The reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion defeated Har Ling Om by unanimous decision in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 3 on September 12 at Yokohama Buntai. He extended his unbeaten run to 42 consecutive victories. Now he switches back to Muay Thai next month. There, he defend his title against Rifdean Masdor at ONE SAMURAI 4 in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on October 17.

Nadaka had planned to wear Har Ling Om down before finishing him late. But his opponent grew increasingly durable and defensive as the fight progressed. This denied him the emphatic performance he had envisioned for his first outing under a new rule set.

“I was able to win, but I couldn’t perform the way I had envisioned, so I am left with a lot of frustration,” he said.

“It made me realize I need to develop the ability to keep pressuring and finish an opponent who is focused on surviving.”

Nadaka Yoshinari puts title defense above two-sport ambitions

The quick turnaround means Nadaka has little room to dwell on his kickboxing outing. After all, he has to shift his full attention to Rifdean. He expects the defense to present an entirely different challenge than the one he just faced.

Having tested himself under kickboxing rules, the possibility of competing seriously in two disciplines now feels within reach. But it remains a secondary priority behind next month’s assignment.

“My October fight is already set. I know that opponent will come at me with everything, so right now I am completely focused on beating him.

“After that, there may be different opportunities, but the central thing for me is always showing everything I am capable of.”

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM