"It was really fun" - Japanese legend Masato Kobayashi reacts to intense Yuki Yoza versus Superlek war at ONE 173

Japanese kickboxing icon Masato Kobayashi couldn't contain his excitement watching two striking specialists, Yuki Yoza and Superlek Kiatmoo9, trade leather on one of the most stacked cards of 2025.

The 46-year-old shared his reaction to their high-octane bantamweight kickboxing showdown at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

During a video posted on his official YouTube channel, the former K-1 World MAX champion broke down what made their bantamweight kickboxing clash so compelling.

"The Superlek versus Yuki Yoza match was really good, too. It was really interesting. It was really fun. At the start of the first round, Yuki Yoza's kicks were strong, and Superlek's kicks were also dangerous. The sound of their kicks was definitely different. The sound was like bang bang. It was powerful. Both their kicks made that noise," Masato shared.

Watch the full post-ONE 173 breakdown on his official YouTube channel below:

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Yuki Yoza vs Superlek certainly delivered at ONE 173 in Tokyo, Japan

That enthusiastic reaction from one of kickboxing's all-time greats validates how special their fight was.

Superlek, the ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion, arrived in the Japanese capital city in search of redemption after falling to Nabil Anane at ONE 172 this past March.

Yoza, meanwhile, was out to secure his third straight win in the organization after beating previously undefeated Elbrus Osmanov and former ONE world champion Petchtanong Petchfergus.

However, the Japanese fighter, who represents Team Vasileus alongside Takeru Segawa and Masaaki Noiri, proved to be a step ahead throughout his nine-minute duel against 'The Kicking Machine.'

The 27-year-old Tokyo-based warrior had the better share of action on his way to a unanimous decision win over the Thai wizard, which also extended his winning streak to 13 fights and promotional run to 3-0.

Who will Yoza square off against next inside the Circle? Has he done enough to earn a shot at ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Haggerty?

ONE Championship is set to return to the Ariake Arena with ONE 175 on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Tickets for the world's largest martial arts next show in Tokyo, Japan, can be purchased here.