Masaaki Noiri is coming to ONE Championship. The promotion announced the exciting addition on Tuesday, April 23. The Japanese star has spent a career building an irrefutable resume, and he now looks to step onto the global stage to test himself further.
“I’m truly happy. I’ve been waiting for this moment, finally! I’m also very excited. I can’t wait to step into the ring with only elite fighters and prove my abilities,” Noiri expressed to ONE.
Although he has captured K-1 titles in multiple divisions, Noiri stated that ONE is the biggest stage for striking stars. With a phenomenal lineup of pound-for-pound greats, the point is well taken. As Noiri looks to continue building his legacy, competing against the elite of the elite is where he wants to be.
“I believe ONE is the ultimate stage for striking, so I wanted to challenge myself in that ring. I’m pursuing to be the strongest in the world through martial arts, so I chose this path to test if the current Masaaki Noiri can make it in ONE,” the 30-year-old stated.
After ONE announced the signing, Noiri posted a statement on X. He was adamant that he wanted to continue challenging himself. That will most certainly happen with the shark-infested waters of the kickboxing roster.
公式リリースがあった通り、立技最高峰のONE Championsipと契約させていただきました。
自分の信じる世界最強を目指すなら挑まないといけない舞台。ようやく辿り着きました。
ここからが格闘家野杁正明の最終章のスタート。
猛者共しかいない舞台だからこそワクワクしかしない。— 野杁正明 (@noirimasaaki) April 23, 2024
“I’ve finally arrived here. This marks the start of the final chapter for me as a martial artist, Masaaki Noiri. I’m nothing but excited to be on a stage filled with formidable fighters. Let’s see how far I can go. Please look forward to it. I’ll be fighting while carrying Japan on my back, so I appreciate your support more than ever,” Noiri wrote on X.
However, those tests also bring a secondary mission for the 30-year-old. Alongside Takeru Segawa, Noiri wants to make the world take notice of Japanese strikers. As if his incredible highlight reel has not already done that, he seems poised to continue to spark that flame upon his arrival, which is anticipated for later this year.
“To definitely win the ONE world title. Not just me, but together with Takeru Segawa. And we’ll prove the strength of Japanese fighters to the world,” Noiri said.
