No Wraps, No Worries: The Mindset Behind Yuki Yoza’s Unorthodox Approach Ahead Of ONE Samurai 1
The Japanese kickboxing ace reveals why he'd rather compete bare-handed.
Yuki Yoza ‘s rise in ONE has been defined by precision, composure, and a string of elite victories that have quickly positioned him among the best on the planet. Now, that ascent has brought him to the biggest moment of his career. The former K-1 Champion challenges Jonathan “The General” Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE Samurai 1 on Wednesday, April 29, inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
View this post on Instagram Yet even as Yoza prepares for a career-defining opportunity, one unusual detail continues to set him apart from every other elite striker in the division. It first caught the attention of global fans during his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 109 in May 2025. After earning a unanimous decision over Elbrus “The Samurai” Osmanov , the Japanese star returned to his corner and casually removed his gloves, revealing he had fought without hand wraps.
The moment sparked immediate curiosity. In a sport where hand protection is considered fundamental, the choice stood out instantly. When Mitch Chilson asked about it in the ring, Yoza brushed it off with a grin, calling himself “crazy.
” But behind that lighthearted answer was a more deliberate reason. The 28-year-old said: “I think I stopped using hand wraps in fights around my last four fights in K-1. I think it was when I fought Kongnapa [Weerasakreck].
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