Find out how you can watch ONE: NO SURRENDER II live in your home country on Friday, 14 August!
Japanese mixed martial arts star Akihiro “Superjap” Fujisawa didn’t let the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic hinder him from continuing to better his skills. The ONE Warrior Series graduate used his time in quarantine lockdown wisely, improving his physical fitness and working on his overall game.
As a result, Fujisawa has emerged a better fighter overall and is ready to soon test his skills when he resumes his career inside the ONE Championship Circle.
“Although the gym was closed, I was running, and I also did bodyweight training and shadowboxing. I was active,” said Fujisawa.
“It was good to take the time to review my strengths and weaknesses. I re-examined what I was not able to notice in my daily routine at the gym. I focused on moving as I imagined. I tried to build up physical strength.”
Fujisawa is scheduled to meet Thailand’s Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit in a three-round catchweight mixed martial arts contest at ONE: NO SURRENDER II, a closed-door, audience free event set for broadcast on Friday, 14 August in Bangkok, Thailand.
After having dropped his last three bouts, Fujisawa knows full well a victory here is imperative. He’s since worked diligently on not only advancing his overall skill set, but also making sure that he upgraded where necessary in order to stay ahead of the competition.
“If I want to win where all the top athletes from the world gather, I need to upgrade myself mentally and physically. My coach pointed out what I could not discover by myself and we worked together to correct that. I want to put into practice what I worked on last year,” said Fujisawa.
But before he can even think about facing the world’s best, Fujisawa first has to take care of Mitsatit, who poses a serious risk to his plans.
Mitsatit is an aggressive and powerful finisher, known for his highlight-reel finishes. “The Smiling Assassin” has 8 knockout victories to his name out of 10 wins overall. On any given night, Mitsatit can end matters quickly inside the Circle. If Fujisawa isn’t careful, he could end up on the wrong side of consciousness.
Fujisawa, however, is aware of his opponent’s strengths. As such, “Superjap” plans to take Mitsatit into deep waters and drown him in a sea of grappling.
“His background is Muay Thai, so I think he is good at striking. I think it is best to take him down, control the ground game, and submit him. If I cannot do that, I have various options. When it comes to mixed martial arts, I think I have more skills in my toolbox than him,” the Japanese veteran says.
“He might have a longer career in Muay Thai, but I’ve had a longer career in mixed martial arts. I began my martial arts training from mixed martial arts, and this is my 16th year.”
ONE: NO SURRENDER II is ONE Championship’s second event in Bangkok since resuming its flagship event schedule. The headline bout features a bantamweight Muay Thai showdown between former ONE World Title challenger Saemapetch Fairtex and countryman Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym.
Fujisawa wants to use this opportunity to inspire fans from all over the world through these difficult times.
“I want to win in an impressive way so that I can carry on my journey to cheer up the world,” said Fujisawa.
“In Thailand, many people are stressed out due to the pandemic, including Japanese residents. I want to cheer those people up.”
Download the ONE Super App for more martial arts action!
Read More From ONE Championship:
Shink Plans To Finish Yodkaikaew: ‘I Always Put On A Show’
How Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym Pulled Himself Out Of Poverty
Leo Pinto Intends To Prove Himself At ONE: NO SURRENDER II
