Gilbert Nakatani is hitting the strawweight division at ONE Fight Night 47 this Friday, September 4, and he’s not just showing up: he’s convinced this is where he finally unlocks his absolute best. The 32-year-old Aragon Training Academy fighter told the world, “I feel ready,” a vibe that should send shivers down his opponents’ spines, especially undefeated prospect Nazareth “The Northstar” Lalthazuala. This isn’t just a weight cut; it’s a strategic move Nakatani believes will unleash the complete version of himself, streaming live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
The Return to 125: Nakatani’s Real Home
Nakatani has been waiting for this opportunity. Before joining ONE Championship in 2024, he competed eight times at 125 pounds, winning seven of those contests and stopping six opponents inside the first two rounds. That’s a ridiculous finishing rate, and it explains why he’s so eager to get back. His first four appearances in ONE, including a first-round TKO of Eko Roni Saputra last November, came at 135 pounds under the promotion’s hydration-based weigh-in system. After an April setback against Joshua “Flyin Hawaiian” Perreira, he kept pushing for the 125-pound return. He said that “pretty much all my fights have been at 125 pounds,” and he never backed down from opponents at 135, but getting this matchup at his preferred weight? He accepted Lalthazuala’s name without hesitation.
This isn’t just a casual change, either. Nakatani says this move is about “going back to my roots.” He’s talking about his wrestling pedigree, the grind of “wrestling every weekend,” and the discipline of “making weight” to be “competition-ready at the right weight class.” That kind of dedication is important to him, and he’s lived it his whole life. He truly believes “125 pounds is a good fit” for his body frame, especially since at 135, opponents tended to be “a little bit taller and longer.” Nakatani expects this return to his “home” at 125 pounds to bring greater speed and technical sharpness to his arsenal, which already boasts seven finishes across nine professional victories.
Undefeated Foe Steps Into the Fire
Nakatani isn’t getting an easy welcome back to strawweight. Nazareth Lalthazuala, the 25-year-old Dojang MMA representative, arrives on the main roster with an unbeaten record and serious momentum. This guy went 3-0 on ONE Friday Fights with a 100 percent finishing rate, most recently stopping Jhon “The Protagonist” Brutas this past June to earn a US$100,000 contract with the world’s largest martial arts organization. Nakatani recognizes the danger, calling Lalthazuala “young, up-and-coming.” But make no mistake, Nakatani is convinced his own skill set will be enough to halt “The Northstar’s” surge.
This Friday, September 4, from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, it’s all on the line. Can Nakatani prove that 125 pounds is truly where he reaches his peak, or will Lalthazuala keep his undefeated streak alive? You won’t want to miss this one in U.S. primetime.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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