The Inner Circle 22: Ben Woolliss Targets Title Conversation

Ben "The Problem" Woolliss has overcome far more than a tough loss to get to this point.

The English striker returns to action at The Inner Circle 22 on Friday, July 17, taking on Japanese kickboxing star and former K-1 Champion Yuki Yoza in a bantamweight kickboxing bout live on live.onefc.com, with a place in the World Title conversation firmly in his sights.

Woolliss announced himself to the promotion in stunning fashion in March 2026, TKO'ing former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker in his debut. A tough loss against former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus followed, and now "The Problem" arrives in Bangkok with a burning desire to get back on track against one of the division's most dangerous names.

"Yoza is another top opponent. And I'm glad ONE Championship came through and gave me an amazing fight. I've studied what he does best. I've read his patterns. But I'm prepared for everything that he brings," he said.

Standing across from him will be Yoza, 28, a fighter who has carved his name into the bantamweight kickboxing landscape with a 3-1 ONE record that includes victories over reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek and Petchtanong.

Woolliss, however, is not coming to survive the night. He is coming to impose himself across every round and, if the opportunity presents itself, to finish the job early.

"I'm not big on predictions, really. But I'm ready to battle hard through a three-round fight or go for the finish if the chance is there. Either scenario works for me," he explained.

The result on July 17 carries implications that extend well beyond the bantamweight rankings. Woolliss has a clear vision of where a victory over Yoza places him in the bigger picture, and he is not shy about naming the prize he is ultimately chasing.

"I hope that the performance is strong enough to put me into that World Title conversation. I feel like this is almost an unofficial number one [contender's] fight. So, beating someone like Yoza puts me straight back into the mix," he added.