Avazbek Kholmirzaev has risen through ONE Championship's flyweight division at a pace that has left the rest of the weight class scrambling to keep up. Now he wants the belt.
The 25-year-old Uzbek contender challenges Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship at ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Wednesday, April 29. It is one of four title fights on the card and the biggest night of Kholmirzaev's career.
Nine wins in ONE. Six in a row. Eight finishes. The numbers tell the story of a fighter who arrived and immediately started collecting names. His recent run includes stoppage victories over Willie van Rooyen and Jeremy Miado, and a decision over Tatsumitsu Wada. It's the kind of resume that earns a title shot. Kholmirzaev is measured about how it has unfolded.
"Everything happened quite fast. But there is a lot of hard work behind it. I'm grateful and I just keep working. It means a lot to me. It's a great opportunity and I'm happy to compete on such a stage," he said.
The stage in question is Ariake Arena, a sold-out home crowd cheering Wakamatsu, and the weight of a title fight. Kholmirzaev has prepared for all of it.
"I am hungry, disciplined, and always improving. I believe my mindset and my determination will make the difference in this fight," he said.
Wakamatsu is not a simple problem to solve. The reigning champion combines concussive knockout power with elite grappling and iron takedown defense. It's a combination that has made him one of the most complete fighters at 135 pounds. Kholmirzaev has studied the matchup closely and has a clear idea of what he is walking into.
"Wakamatsu is a very good fighter, strong and experienced. Strong opponents push you to grow and become better. But inside the ring there is no friendship. I am coming to win," he said.
"He has improved a lot in grappling. I will just try to show my own game. My game plan is to control the fight, stay focused, and use my skills in all areas — striking, wrestling, and grappling. I am ready for every situation."
Kholmirzaev is not approaching this as a fight to survive or a points exercise. Eight stoppages in nine ONE appearances make his intentions clear, and he expects April 29 to follow the same pattern.
"Fans can expect an exciting and high-level fight. I will come forward, fight with heart, and look for the finish. This is just the beginning — I am coming for the top," he said.
