Yuki Yoza just went out there and did it! The 28-year-old striking prodigy scored a hard-fought unanimous decision win against Ben “The Problem” Woolliss at The Inner Circle 22 on July 17, and you better believe that victory immediately erased the bitter taste of his April defeat. That loss was to none other than reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty, and trust me, Yoza had that rematch on his mind the entire time. This win, broadcast live from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, wasn’t just another notch on his record; it was a definitive statement, a result he felt he absolutely owed to everyone who backed him after that first big setback.
Putting “The Problem” Behind Him Like A True Pro
From the moment the bell rang, the Team Vasileus star wasted no time setting a punishing tone. He went right to work, finding a home for his devastating kicks, relentlessly targeting Woolliss’ midsection and calves. His crisp boxing combos were equally sharp, and his elite movement kept him out of immediate danger, tying his offense together seamlessly. This fight wasn’t a walk in the park, though, “The Problem” lived up to his name! But Yoza still found a way to drop Woolliss for a crucial eight-count in the third round with a perfectly timed counter left hook. Afterwards, Yoza himself said so many people supported him, and he wanted to win for them, adding, “I wasn’t able to get the knockout, but I finished with a win, so I’m glad that all of that work was not wasted.” That, folks, is the mindset of a true competitor, grinding it out for the W even when it’s tough.
“Half” The Plan Executed? Haggerty, Look Out!
Here’s the absolutely wild part that should send shivers down Jonathan Haggerty’s spine: even with that decisive unanimous decision win, Yoza wasn’t entirely thrilled with his performance. This dude just won a grueling fight, and he’s *still* analyzing his “total output” like he missed some reps! He gave props to the incredibly tough Brit for the sheer grit Woolliss showed, but Yoza reflected, “I’m relieved that I was able to finish with a win. But in terms of the performance, I still have a long way to go. It felt like I was able to execute about half of what I prepared.” Can you even imagine what he can do at 100 percent?! He also had some serious firepower in his corner: his idol, Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa, who just captured the ONE Interim Flyaway Kickboxing World Title himself at ONE SAMURAI 1 before bowing out of pro competition. Segawa’s words of wisdom before the fight were pure gold, telling him, “Believe in your own strength, enjoy it, and go out there and let loose.” Yoza cleared his mind with those powerful words, and it fueled his dominant win. Now, with “The Problem” solved and Segawa’s wisdom echoing in his ear, Yoza has his sights set squarely on “The General.” He promised, “I will make my way back there.” Jonathan Haggerty, you’ve officially been put on notice. This is just the beginning for Yuki Yoza, and a rematch for that title against Haggerty is the fight everyone needs to see next. Get ready!
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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