Reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka puts his belt on the line for the first time against Thai challenger Songchainoi Kiatsongrit at ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live via pay-per-view from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, April 29. The 25-year-old Eiwa Sports Gym fighter enters on a 40-fight winning streak and a perfect 4-0 promotional record, having claimed the inaugural title with a dominant unanimous decision over Numsurin Chor Ketwina at ONE 173 last November.
The rematch angle adds another layer to an already compelling matchup. Nadaka and Songchainoi first crossed paths in 2023, with Nadaka taking that contest. Since that defeat, the Thai challenger has built a 10-1 promotional record. Three years later, the two meet again with the ONE World Title on the line.
Becoming the first Japanese fighter to hold ONE Muay Thai gold changed things for Nadaka beyond the ring. Recognition followed him everywhere, from Tokyo to Bangkok, and it hardened his sense of responsibility to represent the division with excellence.
“When I went to Thailand, or at ONE events, a lot of fans came up to talk to me. In Japan as well, my name has really spread as a ONE [World] Champion. Over the past six months, I’ve truly started to feel that I am a ONE [World] Champion,” he said.
“Winning the ONE [World] Title has made me truly believe that I am the best in the world. As the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai [World] Champion, I believe I represent this division. My performance reflects the strength of Muay Thai and proves what it’s all about.”
Nadaka plans to use superior speed to dismantle Songchainoi’s game plan
Nadaka respects the challenge in front of him. Songchainoi is not the same fighter he defeated three years ago. The Thai contender has won nine straight fights inside ONE and arrives in Tokyo riding the best form of his career.
Nadaka has studied him closely and identified the decisive edge he plans to exploit. Speed is the key. Move faster than Songchainoi expects, disrupt his rhythm, and the rest will follow.
“I think his striking power is number one in this division. And in addition to that, he also has great speed. But when it comes to speed, I have pride in that I absolutely have to be the best, so I won’t lose in that area,” he said.
“As for weaknesses, I don’t think Songchainoi has much experience facing someone faster than him. So I want to move faster than him and throw him off.”