By Rolando Cronin 
A Night of Fireworks at Lumpinee Stadium
On August 22, 2025, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok erupted as ONE Friday Fights 121 delivered a night of heart-pounding Muay Thai action. The highlight? Japanese sensation Ryuya Okuwaki’s jaw-dropping head kick knockout against Thailand’s Nueaphet Kelasport, a moment that sent shockwaves through the combat sports world. This electrifying event showcased why ONE Championship remains the pinnacle of martial arts entertainment.
Event Preview: High Stakes at Lumpinee
Why ONE Friday Fights 121 Mattered
ONE Friday Fights 121 brought together 24 fighters vying for glory and a coveted $100,000 contract with ONE Championship’s main roster. The card, headlined by Tengnueng Fairtex vs. Maksim Bakhtin, promised chaos, but it was Okuwaki’s atomweight Muay Thai bout that stole the spotlight. Fans tuned in globally, expecting knockouts—and they weren’t disappointed.
The Rise of Ryuya Okuwaki
Ryuya Okuwaki, a 24-year-old from Yokohama, Japan, entered the bout with a reputation as a three-time Muay Thai world champion. Known for his pinpoint striking and relentless pressure, Okuwaki faced a tough test in Nueaphet Kelasport, a Thai veteran with home-crowd support. The stage was set for a classic striker’s duel.
What to Expect from the Card
- Main Event: Tengnueng Fairtex’s experience vs. Maksim Bakhtin’s unbeaten record.
- Co-Main Event: Chokpreecha PK Saenchai’s comeback vs. Thway Lin Htet’s youth.
- Undercard: Okuwaki’s debut and other rising stars chasing ONE glory.
Fight Breakdown: Okuwaki’s Knockout Moment
The Build-Up to the KO
Okuwaki’s atomweight Muay Thai clash with Nueaphet Kelasport was a rollercoaster. Early in the first round, Nueaphet dropped Okuwaki with a crisp combination, stunning the Japanese fighter. But Okuwaki, showing the heart of a champion, weathered the storm and reset for round two.
The Head Kick Heard Around the World
At 2:22 of the second round, Okuwaki unleashed a perfectly timed high kick that caught Nueaphet flush on the jaw. The Thai fighter crumpled to the canvas in a faceplant that went viral, earning Okuwaki instant acclaim. Social media exploded with reactions, calling it a “faceplant for the ages.”
Okuwaki’s Post-Fight Reaction
After the fight, Okuwaki remained humble, crediting his team at Eiwa Sports Gym. “I knew I had to stay calm after the knockdown. That kick was instinct—years of training just took over,” he told ONE Championship’s post-fight crew. His composure under pressure cemented his status as a fan favorite.
Ryuya Okuwaki: The Japanese Sensation
Who Is Ryuya Okuwaki?
Ryuya Okuwaki, born August 26, 2000, is a former Rajadamnern, WPMF, and IBF Muay Thai mini-flyweight champion. With a professional record of 37 wins (18 by knockout) and 9 losses, he’s a veteran despite his young age. His debut at ONE Friday Fights 121 marked a new chapter in his storied career.
Okuwaki’s Journey to ONE Championship
Okuwaki’s path to ONE wasn’t easy. Starting his career in 2016, he racked up titles in Thailand and Japan, including a 2019 Rajadamnern Stadium 105 lbs belt. A loss earlier in 2025 for the Rajadamnern flyweight title fueled his hunger, making his ONE debut a statement of intent.
Why the KO Was a Game-Changer
This knockout wasn’t just a win—it was a career-defining moment. Okuwaki’s highlight-reel finish put him in the conversation for a main roster spot, with fans and analysts buzzing about his potential. Posts on X called it “the KO of the year,” amplifying his global reach.
Fight Card Highlights: Beyond Okuwaki’s KO
Main Event: Maksim Bakhtin’s Spinning Elbow
In the lightweight Muay Thai main event, Russia’s Maksim Bakhtin kept his 11-0 record intact with a second-round spinning elbow KO against Tengnueng Fairtex. The 22-year-old’s unorthodox style overwhelmed the Thai veteran, earning him another step toward ONE’s main roster.
Co-Main Event: Ubaid Hussain’s Dominance
British-Pakistani star Ubaid Hussain went 13-0 with a unanimous decision over Petnakian Sor Nakian in their 130-pound Muay Thai rematch. Hussain’s relentless pressure and crisp striking showcased why he’s a rising star in ONE Championship.
Undercard Standouts
- Petchakrit TN Diamond Home: Scored a second-round KO and proposed to his girlfriend post-fight, stealing hearts and headlines.
- Shimon Yoshinari: Secured a TKO in flyweight Muay Thai, moving to 3-0 in ONE.
- Jean Carlos Pereira: Delivered a 35-second KO in lightweight MMA.
Comparison: Okuwaki vs. Other ONE Friday Fights 121 Stars
| Fighter | Record | Result | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryuya Okuwaki | 37-9 (18 KOs) | KO (Head Kick, R2) | Viral head kick KO vs. Nueaphet |
| Maksim Bakhtin | 11-0 (2 KOs) | KO (Spinning Elbow, R2) | Decisive elbow vs. Tengnueng |
| Ubaid Hussain | 13-0 | Unanimous Decision | Dominated Petnakian in rematch |
| Petchakrit TN | N/A | KO (R2) | Post-fight proposal |
Pros and Cons of Okuwaki’s Performance
Pros
- Showed resilience after a first-round knockdown.
- Delivered a highlight-reel KO that boosted his global profile.
- Proved he can compete with Thailand’s best at Lumpinee.
Cons
- Early vulnerability to Nueaphet’s combinations.
- Limited ONE Championship experience compared to veterans.
- Needs to refine defense to avoid future knockdowns.
Tactical Analysis: What Made the KO Possible?
Okuwaki’s Striking Precision
Okuwaki’s high kick was no fluke. His training at Eiwa Sports Gym emphasizes timing and accuracy, allowing him to exploit Nueaphet’s lowered guard. The kick’s power came from his hip rotation, a hallmark of his Muay Thai style honed over nearly a decade.
Nueaphet’s Defensive Lapse
Nueaphet’s aggressive first round left him exposed in the second. By overcommitting to offense, he failed to protect his chin, giving Okuwaki the opening he needed. This tactical error underscores the importance of balance in elite Muay Thai.
The Role of Resilience
Okuwaki’s ability to recover from a knockdown was pivotal. His mental toughness, developed through years of fighting in Thailand’s toughest stadiums, allowed him to stay composed and capitalize on Nueaphet’s fatigue.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Where can I watch ONE Friday Fights 121?
ONE Friday Fights 121 was broadcast live on ONE Championship’s YouTube and Facebook channels in select regions, with geo-restrictions applying. Full replays are available on Watch.ONEFC.com, and highlights are posted on ONE’s social media.
Who won the main event at ONE Friday Fights 121?
Maksim Bakhtin defeated Tengnueng Fairtex via a second-round spinning elbow KO in the lightweight Muay Thai main event, maintaining his perfect 11-0 record.
What is Ryuya Okuwaki’s fight record?
Okuwaki’s professional record stands at 37 wins (18 by knockout), 9 losses, and 2 draws. His ONE debut KO improved his reputation as a knockout artist.
How can I follow ONE Championship events live?
Fans can follow ONE events via ONE’s official app, Watch.ONEFC.com, or social media platforms like X (@ONEChampionship). Live TV broadcasts are available in 190+ countries; check local listings for details.
A Personal Reflection: The Thrill of Okuwaki’s KO
As a Muay Thai fan who’s watched countless fights at Lumpinee, Okuwaki’s knockout felt like a lightning bolt. I remember my first live event in Bangkok—the energy, the sweat, the roar of the crowd. Seeing Okuwaki’s kick land brought back that rush. It wasn’t just a win; it was a reminder of why we love combat sports—the unpredictability, the heart, the sheer artistry of a perfectly placed strike.
Transactional Tools: How to Stay Connected to ONE Championship
- Streaming Platforms: Watch.ONEFC.com offers replays and live streams (geo-restrictions apply). Subscriptions start at $9.99/month in some regions.
- Mobile Apps: ONE Championship’s app provides live updates, fight stats, and exclusive content for free.
- Merchandise: Shop ONE’s official store for gear like gloves and shirts to support fighters like Okuwaki.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What made Ryuya Okuwaki’s knockout so special?
Okuwaki’s head kick KO was a blend of timing, power, and resilience after a first-round knockdown. Its viral impact on X and YouTube highlights its spectacle.
Where can I find highlights of ONE Friday Fights 121?
Highlights are available on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, TikTok (@onechampionship), and X (@ONE