Hiroki Akimoto is set to return at ONE Friday Fights 81 for another massively pivotal clash in the bantamweight kickboxing division. Back in 2022, the Japanese striker reigned as the world champion in this weight class before losing the belt to Petchtanong Petchfergus.
After some time away from competition, Akimoto returned at ONE Fight Night 22 this past May where he welcomed Wei Rui to ONE Championship.
The former titleholder found the Chinese competitor very challenging, and the two men went back-and-forth in a closely contested matchup.
When the final round came to an end at Lumpinee Stadium, it was Wei Rui that got his hand raised in a controversial decision verdict from the judges.
Now, Akimoto hopes to bounce back from this defeat by earning a huge victory on September 27, but before that, rewatch his comeback fight in ONE Championship where both he and his opponent showed the highest level of this division:
Hiroki Akimoto has the perfect opportunity to bounce back
Hiroki Akimoto has got some work to do if he wants to reclaim his spot at the top of the bantamweight kickboxing division. The title is currently held by Jonathan Haggerty who, having just fought at ONE 168, is likely to be out for some time.
In his absence, another huge fight will take place in the division at ONE Friday Fights 81 on September 27.
Akimoto needs a big win to climb right back up the pecking order, and he has the opportunity to do exactly that when facing Ilias Ennahachi.
A former champion at flyweight, he will be making his long-awaited return in a phenomenal match-up at the very highest level.
Victory for either man will put them right back in the mix where they both feel like they belong given their previous success under the ONE banner.
ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian primetime via watch.onefc.com