‘The Best In The World’ – Nadaka Ready To Prove His Dominance In Rematch With Songchainoi At ONE SAMURAI 1

Reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka has experienced a life-changing transformation since capturing inaugural gold, and the Japanese striking sensation is ready to cement his legacy when he defends his belt for the first time against longtime rival Songchainoi Kiatsongrit at ONE SAMURAI 1 on Wednesday, April 29.The showdown goes down on live.onefc.com from the historic Ariake Arena in Tokyo.The Eiwa Sports Gym representative brings a 66-6 career record into this title defense, including a 40-fight winning streak that has established him as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best strikers.AdvertisementHe is a perfect 4-0 in ONE since making his debut in 2025. In his most recent outing, he outworked Numsurin Chor Ketwina to claim the inaugural title at ONE 173.Since that night, life has shifted in ways Nadaka is only beginning to appreciate. The recognition that comes with being a ONE World Champion has found him everywhere he goes, from Thailand to Japan and everywhere in between.The 25-year-old said:“When I went to Thailand, or at ONE events, a lot of fans came up to talk to me. In Japan as well, my name has really spread as a ONE [World] Champion. Over the past six months, I’ve truly started to feel that I am a ONE [World] Champion.”Beyond personal satisfaction, Nadaka takes immense pride in being the first Japanese fighter to claim ONE Muay Thai gold.That belt carries the weight of an entire country’s martial arts legacy and a deeper responsibility toward the sport he has dedicated his life to.AdvertisementHe said:“In modern Muay Thai, being a ONE [World] Champion means being the best in the world. Being able to wear that belt, as the first Japanese fighter, is something I’m truly proud of.“Winning the ONE [World] Title has made me truly believe that I am the best in the world. As the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai [World] Champion, I believe I represent this division. My performance reflects the strength of Muay Thai and proves what it’s all about.”Now comes the first defense, and it arrives in the form of a deeply familiar face. Nadaka and Songchainoi first crossed paths in 2023, with Nadaka taking that contest.Since that defeat, the Thai contender has built a 10-1 promotional record. The rematch has been three years in the making, and Nadaka is not about to underestimate what awaits him.He said:“I fought Songchainoi about three years ago, and I won that fight. But three years is a long time, and I’m not taking anything lightly, not at all.“After losing to me, he went on a nine-fight win streak in ONE. So to me, it feels like facing a completely new opponent. I want to approach it that way. This is a highly anticipated matchup for ONE fans, so I want both of us to deliver a fight that lives up to it.”Nadaka Plans To Overwhelm Challenger With Superior SpeedNadaka recognizes what makes his Thai challenger dangerous and has identified the game plan that will preserve his World Title reign.Songchainoi’s striking power is the best in the atomweight division. But Nadaka believes his speed is the decisive edge. By moving faster than Songchainoi expects, the defending king plans to disrupt the timing and rhythm the challenger relies upon.AdvertisementHe said:“I think his striking power is number one in this division. And in addition to that, he also has great speed. But when it comes to speed, I have pride in that I absolutely have to be the best, so I won’t lose in that area.“As for weaknesses, I don’t think Songchainoi has much experience facing someone faster than him. So I want to move faster than him and throw him off.”Tokyo’s Ariake Arena is the perfect stage for his most complete performance yet. For his first defense in front of Japanese fans, Nadaka wants more than victory — he is targeting a finish and a performance bonus.He said:“Like a true champion, I want to win by knockout in dominant fashion. I’ve had four fights in ONE, but I haven’t earned a bonus yet. So this time, I want to deliver a performance that earns one.”Source