“I Believe He’s Very Strong” – Yoshihiro Akiyama Opens Up on the Challenge of Facing Kickboxing Legend Nieky Holzken at ONE 165

Yoshihiro Akiyama is excited to give fans something to cheer about. “Sexyama” will be back in action at ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru on Sunday, January 28, as he is set to take on striking legend Nieky Holzken in a special rules super-fight inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo Japan.

The innovative match will see both men compete under boxing rules in the first round, kickboxing in the second, and MMA in the third.

The ONE Showdown

The 48-year-old is coming off a massive second-round knockout win over fellow Japanese martial arts icon Shinya Aoki at ONE X in March 2022. Though he may have been thinking of calling time on his career after it, he shared that ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong’s passion helped ignite his desire to strap his gloves on once more in a recent press conference for ONE 165. 

“To be honest, I knew there is an event in Japan on 28 Jan, since while ago, but I didn’t think I’d fight there,” he said. 

“However, Chatri came to Japan, and we met in person to discuss the fight. His passion made my ‘iced heart’ melt and changed my mind. Until the very last minutes before this press conference, we have been discussing. And we finally agreed.” 

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Against Holzken, Akiyama faces a dangerous opponent adept at using both his hands and legs for destruction. “The Natural” has over 100 bouts to his name, and he will look to show his superior striking against the local hero. 

Akiyama understands that he may be at a disadvantage early on, considering his opponent’s background, and he is not overlooking that fact despite his recent success in MMA. Following their faceoff, he shared his quick thoughts on his Dutch foe. 

“I believe he’s very strong. He’s a striking specialist. It’s a mixed rules starting from boxing, muay thai, and MMA, but I have to consider this fight as a striking fight and can’t underestimate him,” he said.  

Who will win the battle between the two legends?

“Sexyama” represented Japan as a Judoka in 2002 before transitioning to MMA and competing in various promotions in the country. Later, he would take his talents across the globe.

At ONE 165, he will make his long-awaited return to his homeland after 12 years way, and all he can think of is putting on a show for the fans, especially after the country suffered a couple of natural tragedies at the start of the new year.  

“I didn’t know that it’s been 12 years already. I’m proud of myself that I came this far. I’m already “good” age, so I want to have “good” thing, then want to show “good” fight to tell my Japanese fans that I’m back in Japan. I want to show that message through my performance,” Akiyama said.    

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“It’s been sad news in Japan since 1 Jan. I want to give courage to fans throughout my fight, and I want to make them motivated again,” he added.