Hiroba Minowa, Keito Yamakita aiming for statement wins at ONE 165

ONE 165 this Sunday, January 28, will see two of Japan’s rising strawweight MMA stars — Hiroba Minowa and Keito Yamakita — stepping into the Circle to prove their mettle on the global stage.

Minowa, the current #3-ranked divisional contender, squares off against #4-ranked Gustavo Balart. The fight happens on a stacked card at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Meanwhile, Yamakita goes head-to-head with #2-ranked Bokang Masunyane in his sophomore appearance under the ONE Championship banner.

Focused and inspired by the opportunity to perform on home soil, Minowa wants to climb the ranks.

“I am motivated,” he said. “I, along with other Japanese fighters on the bill, have the chance to show Japanese MMA fans that ONE is a world-class organization.”

For Minowa, this event is not just a chance to walk away with a victory. It’s a platform to inspire and prove that Japanese fighters deserve to be in the sport.

“Since [Japanese fighters] in ONE usually fight overseas, many Japanese MMA fans may not be aware of who we are,” he said.

“That is why I need to make a statement with a decisive victory to show Japanese MMA fans that world-class MMA exists beyond the Japanese shores, and that fighters like us are holding our own against world-class talents.”

Keito Yamakita aims to become $50K richer

On the other hand, Keito Yamakita is equally eager to make a lasting impression at ONE 165.

“This is a big event. I know that there are a lot of people who will be tuning in, so I hope to make a statement with my performance,” the young mixed martial artist said.

Adding an extra layer of motivation, Yamakita has his eyes on the $50,000 performance bonus. ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong usually rewards fighters with the monetary incentive for exciting fights.

“I want to fight my heart out and put on the best performance I can. By doing so, I hope to leave my mark on the organization and turn people’s heads,” Yamakita said.

“I want to put on a performance that is worthy of a bonus. And I hope to be rewarded with bonus money from Chatri.”