Kaito Ono has already proven himself in Japan — now it’s time to conquer the world. His debut at ONE Friday Fights 109 is more than just another bout; it’s a pivotal moment that could shape the trajectory of his international career
Facing a tough and tested opponent like Mohammad Siasarani is no easy task, but that’s what makes this challenge exciting. Fans of elite striking should keep their eyes glued to this bout — it has all the ingredients of a classic.
Win, lose, or draw, one thing is certain: Kaito Ono has arrived on the global stage, and the world will be watching.
May 23 at Lumpinee Stadium won’t just be another fight—it’ll be the beginning of Kaito Ono’s new era in ONE Championship. With Mohammad Siasarani standing in his way, Ono knows nothing will be handed to him.
But if he can rise to the occasion and deliver a signature performance, he won’t just win a fight—he’ll announce himself as a major player in one of the sport’s most competitive divisions.
And somewhere down the road, the unfinished business with Marat Grigorian will return. For now, though, all eyes are on Bangkok, where Japan’s next superstar is ready to shine.
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Kaito Ono Eyes Statement Debut at ONE Friday Fights 109
Japanese striking sensation Kaito Ono is ready to introduce himself to the global audience at ONE Friday Fights 109 on May 23 at the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.1
The 27-year-old will square off against Iran’s Mohammad Siasarani in what promises to be a thrilling featherweight kickboxing contest.
While fans eagerly await this explosive showdown, a lingering question remains—what about his feud with Marat Grigorian? Ono hasn’t forgotten. But for now, he’s pushing it to the side, focusing entirely on delivering a show-stopping debut.
Business Before Beef: Focus Shifts to Mohammad Siasarani
For Kaito Ono, the path to ONE Championship glory starts now.
Speaking to ONE Championship ahead of his debut, the Japanese striker emphasized the importance of not letting his long-running issues with Grigorian cloud his vision.
“Now that Siasarani has been officially confirmed as my opponent, I’ve shifted my focus,” Ono said. “I believe I absolutely need to settle things with Grigorian, so I want to resolve that properly within this year.”
This mature approach underscores Ono’s desire to climb the ranks in ONE Championship, arguably the deepest roster in the world when it comes to elite strikers. But first, he must pass a tough test in the form of Mohammad Siasarani.
6月も試合があるのにと心配して下さりありがとうございます。
5月 グレゴリアン選手とのオファーがあって 決着つけたいからすぐにやると返事しましたが 調整がつかず延期になって
その後 シアサラニ選手との再オファーがあって ONE…
— 海人 (@0k8a2i1to) May 8, 2025
A Rivalry Put on Hold: The Marat Grigorian Saga
Ono was originally scheduled to debut at ONE 172 against none other than Marat Grigorian, a multiple-time kickboxing world title challenger and one of the most respected names in the sport.
It was a high-profile matchup meant to showcase Ono’s potential against one of the very best.
However, things didn’t go according to plan. Grigorian missed weight, and Ono, standing firm on his principles, refused to accept a catchweight bout. The result? A canceled fight and a rivalry that has only intensified in the media and among fans.
Both strikers have traded verbal jabs since, with Ono criticizing Grigorian’s professionalism and Grigorian brushing off Ono’s credentials. The bout may have fallen through in March, but the tension remains.
Who is Kaito Ono?
Japan’s Next Big Thing in Kickboxing
A product of Team F.O.D., Kaito Ono has long been recognized as one of Japan’s top striking prospects.2
With a sharp, technical style and fearless approach in the ring, Ono combines traditional Japanese kickboxing foundations with modern Muay Thai elements.
He has held titles in regional promotions, and his success at the national level made him a natural fit for the international stage. Signing with ONE Championship was the next logical step in his journey to global stardom.
At 27, he is entering his physical prime, and ONE Friday Fights 109 gives him the perfect platform to make a resounding first impression.
Mohammad Siasarani: The Underrated Threat
While the spotlight is largely on Ono, fans would be mistaken to overlook Mohammad Siasarani, a dangerous Iranian striker with a chip on his shoulder.
Known for his aggressive combinations and toughness, Siasarani has made waves in the Asian kickboxing scene with a series of gritty performances.
He may not have the name value of Grigorian, but Siasarani is a livewire—capable of spoiling Ono’s party in a heartbeat.
Ono is aware of this and has prepared accordingly. “He’s tough, durable, and always looking for the finish,” Ono admitted. “I have to be perfect on fight night.”
Lumpinee Stadium: A Venue Steeped in History
ONE Friday Fights 109 isn’t just another fight card. It’s being held at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, one of the most iconic combat sports venues in the world. Hosting the event here adds a layer of prestige and tradition to Ono’s debut.
Fighting in Lumpinee isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about legacy. For any striker, a win at Lumpinee adds credibility. For Ono, a decisive victory in his first outing would cement his arrival and silence any doubters.
Why ONE Championship Is the Right Stage for Ono
- The ONE Championship featherweight kickboxing division is home to some of the greatest strikers alive—Chingiz Allazov, Superbon Singha Mawynn, Giorgio Petrosyan, and of course, Marat Grigorian.
- Ono isn’t just joining the division; he’s aiming to dominate it.
- “I didn’t come here to be average,” Ono stated. “I want to fight the best, win titles, and leave a mark. ONE is the place to do that.”
- By choosing to debut in ONE, he’s stepping into the lion’s den. But that’s exactly how he wants it.
- While Ono is laser-focused on May 23, he hasn’t forgotten Grigorian. Their rivalry feels inevitable—a storm waiting to erupt.
- Given the circumstances surrounding the canceled bout in March and the tension since, a future meeting seems destined.
- Ono himself has hinted that the bout could materialize before the end of the year.
- “I want to resolve that properly within this year,” he reaffirmed. “It’s not over.”
- Should both fighters win their respective matches, ONE’s matchmakers will likely revisit the bout with even higher stakes.
Kaito Ono: Pressure and Opportunity
The Weight of a Debut
Making a debut in ONE Championship comes with enormous expectations, especially for fighters like Ono who enter with a reputation to uphold. Every move, strike, and exchange will be scrutinized.3
But with pressure comes opportunity. If Ono can impress, he could find himself fast-tracked to marquee bouts.
ONE has shown a willingness to elevate exciting new talent, and a win on May 23 could catapult Ono toward top-five contention.
Fighting Style Breakdown: What Makes Ono Special
Ono’s fight style is rooted in rhythm and precision. He uses slick footwork, fast combinations, and an elite fight IQ to break down opponents.
Unlike wild brawlers, Ono thrives on out-thinking his rivals, finding angles, and picking his shots.
Against someone as relentless as Siasarani, this cerebral approach will be key.
Expect Ono to use his jab early, manage distance, and look for counterstriking opportunities. If he can set the pace, the fight will be his to lose.
Eyes on the Future: Featherweight Gold in Sight
Kaito Ono’s ultimate goal isn’t just to be a successful ONE fighter—it’s to be a world champion.
The featherweight division is stacked, but Ono believes he has the tools to climb to the very top.
With enough momentum and a few key wins, a title shot isn’t out of the question in 2025.
Whether it’s Chingiz Allazov, Superbon, or another elite name, Ono wants to test himself against the very best. And with his skillset, mindset, and hunger, the future looks incredibly bright.
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Kaito Ono Must First Handle Business at ONE Friday Fights 109
As Kaito Ono gears up for his debut in ONE Championship, the Japanese striking phenom knows that making a statement at ONE Friday Fights 109 is not just important — it’s essential.
With a history of success in Shoot Boxing and Rise, Ono is no stranger to high-pressure moments. But this time, he faces a new kind of challenge: ONE’s global stage, where some of the world’s most lethal strikers reside.
Kaito Ono is the type of fighter that ONE Championship seems tailor-made for. Known for his versatility, explosiveness, and killer instinct, the Tokyo-born athlete possesses a unique blend of techniques that make him dangerous from all angles.
With 58 career wins and an impressive 26 knockouts, Ono’s striking portfolio reads like a masterclass in controlled aggression.
He isn’t just a striker with speed and power — he brings a dynamic style of fight IQ that makes him difficult to read.
Whether it’s landing crisp combinations, mixing in knee strikes, or switching stances mid-fight, Ono has all the tools to not just survive in ONE Championship, but to thrive.
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Legacy Built in Japan, Now Expanded to the World
Before stepping into the ONE Circle, Kaito Ono carved out a legacy in Japan’s premier striking organizations.
As a former Shoot Boxing and Rise Champion, he faced and defeated top-level competition regularly. These titles are not handed out easily — they are earned through grit, consistency, and mastery of craft.
Japan’s shoot boxing scene, in particular, blends striking with stand-up grappling, giving Ono a distinct edge over many traditional kickboxers.
His ability to adapt under pressure and deliver when it counts has made him a fan favorite at home, and now he’s ready to do the same on the international stage.
Siasarani brings power and grit, and he won’t back down from a firefight. He’ll likely look to test Ono’s defense and timing early, aiming to close the distance and neutralize Ono’s reach advantage.
For Ono, this is not a bout to be taken lightly — it’s a dangerous hurdle he must clear to prove his worth in ONE.
Kaito Ono: The Importance of Fight IQ on the Big Stage
Beyond physical skills, fights at this level often come down to strategy and composure.
Kaito Ono has faced world-class talent before, but this is his first time under the ONE banner, and the bright lights can affect even the most seasoned veterans.
How he handles the pressure, adjusts mid-fight, and responds to adversity will be crucial.
If Ono can keep his emotions in check and execute a game plan, he’ll be difficult to stop. But a lapse in focus against someone like Siasarani could lead to disaster.
A Gateway to Bigger Opportunities
A win at ONE Friday Fights 109 could open multiple doors for Kaito Ono. Whether it’s a spot on a future ONE Fight Night card, or even a title eliminator down the line, the Japanese sensation has much to gain.
ONE Championship is constantly rotating its top talent through international events, and new stars are always welcome.
Moreover, ONE’s global broadcast reach — including free streaming via watch.onefc.com, the ONE Super App, and ONE’s YouTube and Facebook platforms — means that this fight has the potential to reach millions of viewers around the world. This is more than a fight; it’s an audition for stardom.
What Fans Should Expect on Fight Night
Fans tuning into ONE Friday Fights 109 can expect a technical and explosive matchup. Both athletes bring knockout power and an eagerness to entertain.
Expect Siasarani to press forward early, attempting to bully Ono against the ropes or into corners. Ono, in turn, will likely work to establish his jab and maintain distance while looking for clean counters.
If the fight goes the distance, expect a high-volume, tactical war. But given the power both men carry, a knockout — either early or late — is always a possibility.
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