Hiroki Akimoto wants to reclaim his place at the top of the bantamweight kickboxing division, and he’s fully determined to get past his upcoming opponent to make that happen. 

At ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova this Friday, May 3, the former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion will welcome Chinese star Wei Rui to the promotion in a match that could determine the first challenger to divisional king Jonathan “The General” Haggerty’s reign. 

Hiroki Akimoto wants a title shot next after his win at ONE Fight Night 22

Akimoto is currently the #1-ranked contender in the division, but he has been out of action since relinquishing the throne in November 2022. With his return just days away, though, he hopes to show the world why he belongs on the top of the pile by overcoming a formidable foe in Wei. 

“Since my opponent in this fight is also a strong fighter, if I can win this one decisively, it should lead to a title fight. So, while every fight is a must-win, I want to leave an impact and show people that I’ve become even stronger,” he said. 

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While he may be a new face in ONE, Wei is certainly no slouch. He is a former K-1 and KLF Kickboxing Champion, and his impressive professional record stands at 69-3. 

However, “Demon Blade” debuts in arguably the most elite striking roster of any organization this weekend, so he’ll be out to shake things from the start.

Akimoto knows this, and he understands the implications of their matchup. As such, he fully intends to take a spectacular victory. 

Will the Japanese Superstar win his next fight?

After that, the Japanese superstar will shift focus to Haggerty, with the aim of taking the bantamweight kickboxing strap the British star added to his Muay Thai belt at ONE Fight Night 16 last November. 

“Whoever wins this fight will likely be the next in line for the title shot, so I’m definitely aware of that” he said.

“If there’s another event in Japan, I’d like to have the title fight here. But since Haggerty is a two-sport champion who also needs to defend his Muay Thai belt, I’d like to fight him before the end of this year if possible.”

Akimoto may have to wait in line for that shot, though, as “The General” is set to defend the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against flyweight king Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver in September. 

All the action from ONE Fight Night 22 will be broadcast live and free on Prime Video for fans across North America with an active Amazon subscription on Friday, May 3.