‘I’m Better Than Him In Every Aspect’ – Yuki Yoza Gunning For A Knockout Against Jonathan Haggerty At ONE SAMURAI 1

Now he faces the man he has long viewed as the standard in the division:

“‘ONE’s [World] Champion is Jonathan Haggerty.’ That’s always been my perception. And so, I thought, ‘Someday I will defeat him. I want to fight him.'”

“Before I signed with ONE, I went to a ONE [event] as a cornerman for Masaaki [Noiri]. Haggerty was there at the time, so I went up to talk to him. I said something like, ‘I’m getting closer, so let’s do it.’ And he replied, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.'”

Training out of Team Vasileus alongside Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa, Yoza has refined both his technical skill set and his mental approach. The environment has helped shape a fighter who thrives on decision-making and control rather than chaos — a style that could prove critical against a man known for precision and timing.

Haggerty’s ability to manage distance, land clean strikes, and dictate the rhythm of a fight has made him one of the most complete strikers in the sport.

Yoza sees the matchup through a calculated lens:

“I think he’s more of a skilled fighter rather than just a strong fighter. Under ONE’s rules, whether it’s kickboxing or Muay Thai, a fighter who can score points and win consistently is what I consider a very skilled fighter.”

Yoza’s Confidence Shapes His Approach Against Haggerty

Jonathan Haggerty’s technical ability is widely recognized, but Yuki Yoza believes he has identified openings others have not been able to exploit.

The Brit’s composure and control have made him difficult to break, but Yoza sees moments within that structure where reactions can be read under pressure.

He said:

“He’s fairly easy to read through his facial expressions. When he’s in trouble or when he gets hit, it shows on his face. So, I think he’s easy to read in that sense.”

He aims to close the show early but has prepared to compete over five rounds, requiring adjustments in pacing and strategy.

Having faced a range of elite opponents with varying styles, Yoza believes his overall skill set gives him the advantage heading into the bout.

He said:

“Other than his experience in five-round fights, I think I’m better than him in every aspect. Of course, I believe I have the advantage. The reason is: because my opponent is me. And I believe I’m the strongest.

“How do I plan to win? Of course, by KO. And finally this fight is five rounds. People kept saying, ‘Get the finish,’ but I couldn’t get the knockout in my last three fights. This time, I’m really confident.”

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