‘I Expect It To Be A Tough Fight’ – Nadaka Ready For War With Numsurin At ONE 173

Japanese striking sensation Nadaka has already proven himself as a generational Muay Thai talent. On Sunday, November 16, he will get the chance to cement his legacy in front of his home crowd at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

The 24-year-old phenom will square off with Thailand’s Numsurin Chor Ketwina for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.

Riding an impressive 39-fight winning streak, including three wins under the ONE Championship banner, Nadaka enters as Japan’s brightest hope to capture Muay Thai gold in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

But standing across from him is an opponent unlike any he has faced before — a calm, technical opponent who brings a cerebral danger into every exchange.

Nadaka said:

“Numsurin obviously boasts high-level mastery of Muay Thai fundamentals, which is why he keeps winning. But beyond that, I think he possesses boxing techniques that other Thai fighters don’t have. He has a boxing background, and one thing that stands out is how compact his punches are. But the biggest thing I’m wary of is that he’s a fighter who can be measured and cerebral to control the fight.

“In his recent fight against Songchainoi, he mentioned in the post-fight interview that he found his opponent’s weaknesses and fought to his strengths. He said the same thing about my fight, so I expect he’ll study my footage and come up with a strategy. That’s what makes him really scary. I feel like the psychological battle [exists] before the fight has [even] begun.”

Like Nadaka, Numsurin is also undefeated in ONE, having dismantled six opponents in the past two years.

His breakout moment came when he edged Songchainoi Kiatsongrit via majority decision at ONE Friday Fights 122 this past August, after dropping his adversary in round two. That victory earned him a US$100,000 main-roster contract with the promotion and an opportunity to capture ONE gold.

Having studied the Tded99 representative closely, Nadaka knows he can’t rely on a one-dimensional game plan. His precision and adaptability — traits that earned him stadium titles at Lumpinee and Rajadamnern — will be tested like never before.

He said:

“The strategy we plan is the foundation, but once the fight starts, I also rely on flashes of insight I have during the match or attacks that flow from the fight’s momentum.

“I think it’ll be a match where the momentum shifts constantly, round by round – a dizzyingly fast-paced, nail-biting battle. Both fighters are incredibly strong mentally, not just intellectually, and I know he’s not someone you can take down easily. So, yeah, I expect it to be a tough fight for me too.”

Nadaka Aims To Cap His Rise With ONE World Title Glory

For Nadaka Yoshinari, the bout against Numsurin Chor Ketwina at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri is more than a World Title fight. It’s the natural progression of a journey defined by ambition, evolution, and national pride.

Already a 10-time Muay Thai World Champion, he’s conquered the sport’s most iconic stages in its spiritual birthplace of Thailand. Yet, this new chapter represents something greater — a chance to become the first Japanese man crowned ONE Muay Thai World Champion.

He said:

“In view of this context and trajectory of my career, I tried to set new goals and ONE Championship really stood out. It’s a top-tier organization where the best stand-up fighters and MMA fighters from around the world vie for championship and glory. I feel it’s the perfect stage for me to prove the skills I’ve cultivated so far.

“As for my next challenge, winning the ONE belt would be a huge asset for me personally. So, I’m approaching this fight determined to give everything I’ve got — all the skills and experience I’ve forged until now.”

Since making his promotional debut at ONE 172 in March, Nadaka has proven himself to be one of the driving forces behind the rise of ONE’s atomweight Muay Thai division.

Nadaka’s speed, timing, and precision make every exchange a study in rhythm and control. He has a style that keeps fans captivated and opponents guessing.

For the 24-year-old, however, the dream doesn’t stop with the belt. He wants to defend it on the global circuit, inspire Japan’s next generation, and carry Muay Thai’s banner across the world.

He said:

“First and foremost, it’s really about the immediate fight. My absolute top priority is becoming the inaugural champion. I have a strong determination to absolutely achieve that. After winning that, we’ll be determining the new champion here in Japan this time. I really hope I can defend it overseas, even in hostile territory. I want to prove I can deliver solid results abroad too.”