Kaito Ono's Crucial Rematch for ONE Championship Survival
A fighter still aiming for his inaugural ONE Championship victory is set to face a rematch that could significantly shape his future with the organization.
The winner of the eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament will earn a direct shot at the reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, Superbon. The tournament's opening round features a rematch between Mohammad Siasarani and Kaito Ono, scheduled for ONE SAMURAI 2, which will be broadcast live from Tokyo’s EBARA WAVE Arena Ota on Saturday, August 8.
Siasarani previously defeated Kaito via unanimous decision in May 2025, marking a disappointing debut for the Japanese fighter in the promotion. Furthermore, Kaito has experienced two subsequent losses since joining ONE, including a defeat to Marat Grigorian at ONE SAMURAI 1 in April. Now, competing on home soil, he is still striving for his first win within the organization.
"To establish myself as a prominent figure and demonstrate my capabilities as a fighter, one must overcome recognized opponents. I have a history of doing so, and I intend to repeat that success," he stated.
"I estimate I've had around 11 fights in ONE, and in approximately seven or eight of those, I was considered the underdog. I thrive in that role. I perform better when the public perceives me as the underdog, as it fuels my determination to train harder and secure victories. I find motivation in such perceptions."
Mohammad Siasarani's Path to Superbon
A victory against Kaito would propel Siasarani into the tournament semifinals, bringing him one step closer to a highly anticipated showdown with Superbon. Siasarani views Superbon, a training partner and idol, as a potential opponent he has only encountered in the gym.
For Kaito, the situation is more pressing. Two consecutive defeats on ONE's global platform necessitate a decisive performance in front of his home crowd to revitalize the narrative surrounding his career within the promotion.
"Superbon is someone I consider a friend. I've admired him from a young age, learned from his techniques, and even trained alongside him. I hold him in high regard. However, in the competitive world of combat sports, personal relationships and respect must be set aside during a fight. We are all vying for that championship," he remarked.
"I would welcome the opportunity to face him. It represents a dream matchup for me, and I believe I possess the skill level to compete at that stage. Many fighters who were once my idols are individuals I have since defeated. My hope is that Superbon will be the next."
Kaito Ono Needs a Victory Over Siasarani to Salvage His ONE Championship Career
A fighter who has yet to secure his first win in ONE Championship is facing a crucial rematch that could define his entire tenure with the promotion.
An automatic shot at the reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, Superbon, awaits the victor of the eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament. The bracket opens with a quarterfinal rematch between Mohammad Siasarani and Kaito Ono, set to take place at ONE SAMURAI 2, which will stream live from Tokyo’s EBARA WAVE Arena Ota on Saturday, August 8.
Siasarani defeated Kaito by unanimous decision in May 2025, spoiling the Japanese star's promotional debut. Adding to the pressure, Kaito has since suffered two more losses in ONE, including a defeat to Marat Grigorian at ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April. He now enters his home country still searching for his first win within the organization.
"To become a prominent name and prove I am a skilled fighter, one must defeat notable opponents. I have achieved this multiple times before, and I intend to do so again," he stated.
"I believe I've had about 11 fights in ONE, and in perhaps seven or eight of them, I was considered the underdog. I relish that position. I feel more motivated when people see me as the underdog, as it provides extra impetus to train and win. I appreciate being viewed in that manner."
Mohammad Siasarani's Pursuit of a Matchup with Superbon
A win against Kaito would advance Siasarani to the tournament semifinals and bring him one step closer to a dream bout with Superbon, a training partner and idol he has only faced in the gym.
For Kaito, the situation is more urgent. Two consecutive losses on ONE's global platform have put him in a position where he needs a standout performance in front of his home fans simply to shift the narrative surrounding his career in the promotion.
"Superbon is a friend of mine. I've watched him since I was young, learned from him, and trained with him. I have a great deal of respect for him. However, in this sport, once we step into the ring, friendship and respect cannot influence the competition. We are all competing for that title," he said.
"I would be thrilled to fight him. It's a dream matchup for me, but I believe I am already at that level. Many fighters who were once my idols are individuals I have already defeated. Hopefully, Superbon will be next."
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