Nadaka Humbled By Takeru's Farewell After Title Retention

Nadaka Yoshinari is still the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion, but he is not done growing. The Japanese titleholder survived a stern test from durable Thai rival Songchainoi Kiatsongrit at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29, retaining his crown via unanimous decision in a gruelling five-round rematch.

The win extended Nadaka's remarkable unbeaten run to 41 consecutive victories and his fifth straight win inside the ONE ring, further cementing his status as one of the best pound-for-pound strikers on the planet. But the champion himself was far from satisfied with how the night unfolded.

Songchainoi pushed Nadaka to the limit, landing hard shots that tested the Japanese star's resolve in ways he had not anticipated. It was a reminder that even the best have their uncomfortable moments, and Nadaka refused to pretend otherwise.

"I took some hits from his punches, and they really hurt, and there were moments where I felt a bit discouraged. But that's where my mental strength came in," Nadaka said.

That mental fortitude carried him through the championship rounds and across the finish line. Retaining the title for the first time as a ONE World Champion was a milestone, but it was not enough for a fighter with bigger ambitions.

"Although I successfully defended my belt for the first time as a ONE World Champion, I know I can't be satisfied yet. I need to change my mindset and my approach to become that kind of star," the champion admitted.

On the same night, fellow Japanese warrior Takeru Segawa wrote the final and most breathtaking chapter of his legendary career, defeating Rodtang Jitmuangnon to claim the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship in his farewell fight.

Nadaka missed the live action due to his post-fight medical check, but tracked it down on a monitor all the same.

"I actually had to watch Takeru's match on a monitor because of my post-fight medical check, but I watched closely. Honestly, looking at my performance today, I don't think I'm at that level yet. It made me realize I need much more skill," Nadaka revealed.