ONE SAMURAI 2: Liu Mengyang And Noiri Settle Unfinished Business

The rivalry between Liu Mengyang and Masaaki Noiri has unfinished business written all over it. The two featherweight kickboxing rivals collide in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 2 on Saturday, August 8, broadcasting via live.onefc.com, in the a quarterfinal bout of the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament.

The winner advances one step closer to a shot at Superbon's ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title.

Their first encounter in December 2024 turned every expectation on its head. Liu, making his promotional debut, dropped the Japanese legend in the opening round and went on to claim a unanimous decision victory that sent shockwaves through the featherweight kickboxing division.

Noiri, a former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion with a 51-14 striking record, had been expected to handle the Chinese newcomer with relative ease.

Instead, he walked away with the most stinging defeat of his recent career, and the humiliation has fuelled every training session since.

"Since [our first fight], he has put together a winning streak and continued competing consistently. I'm sure he has gained experience and become a better fighter. But I believe I have improved even more. The humiliation I experienced that night has to be repaid more than double," Noiri said.

For Liu, the dynamic surrounding their first meeting is one he has not forgotten either. The 23-year-old Chinese striker carries a 36-7 career record with 11 finishes and a 4-1 ONE record into the quarterfinal, riding a three-fight win streak that has transformed his standing in the division.

"Going into our first fight, fans saw me merely as a stepping stone for Noiri. I'm completely different now. I'm riding a winning streak under ONE Championship and have emerged as one of the division's hottest breakout prospects," he said.

For Liu, however, this tournament is not just about the next round. His eyes are already fixed on the ultimate prize, and he has a direct message for the man waiting at the end of the road.

"I have a message for Superbon. I'm about to compete in the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament, and I'm determined to claim the championship title. Just wait for me, wait until I come for your World Title belt," he added.