ONE: Warriors of the World, scheduled for the Impact Arena in Bangkok on December 9, will be headlined by a ONE world strawweight title fight between champion Yoshitaka ‘Nobita’ Naito and Alex ‘Little Rock’ Silva, it was announced today (November 20).
Reigning and defending ONE strawweight Champion Naito of Chiba, Japan, has a perfect 12-0 record and owns six victories by submission and one by knockout. The 33-year-old, who made a name for himself at Japan’s world famous Korakuen Hall competing for Shooto as its flyweight champion, captured his current title when submitting Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke in his promotional debut back in 2016.
“Winning the ONE strawweight world championship and becoming world champion has always been a dream of mine,” said Naito. “To be recognized amongst my peers as the best at what I do, it’s important to me. Having this belt means I am a master of my craft. It hasn’t been easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but I am prepared to do whatever it takes. Alex Silva is a worthy challenger and an amazing competitor. I look forward to testing my skills against him.”
Brazilian Silva is a second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and world champion with a professional record of 6-1. Unbeaten in five, he is a technical grappling specialist with a penchant for securing highlight-reel submission finishes. With steadily increasing confidence, Silva’s last five victories have all ended in spectacular fashion, and last time out he made quick work of highly-regarded and previously unbeaten Hayato Suzuki.
“Defeating Hayato Suzuki has been one of my greatest accomplishments inside the ONE Championship cage,” said Silva. “I was very well prepared for him. I expected a tougher match and I did not expect him to try to take me down and compete with me on the ground because I knew if it went to the ground I would submit him. So I saw the armbar, I went for it and now we’re here. I’m competing for the ONE strawweight world championship and have a chance to be known as the best strawweight in the world. I’m excited for the opportunity and, in the name of Jesus Christ, I will bring this belt back to my team, Evolve! Honor and glory to God!”
