The recognition that comes with being a ONE World Champion has found him everywhere he goes, from Thailand to Japan and everywhere in between.The 25-year-old said:“When I went to Thailand, or at ONE events, a lot of fans came up to talk to me. In Japan as well, my name has really spread as a ONE [World] Champion. Over the past six months, I’ve truly started to feel that I am a ONE [World] Champion.”View this post on InstagramBeyond personal satisfaction, Nadaka takes immense pride in being the first Japanese fighter to claim ONE Muay Thai gold.That belt carries the weight of an entire country’s martial arts legacy and a deeper responsibility toward the sport he has dedicated his life to.He said:“In modern Muay Thai, being a ONE [World] Champion means being the best in the world.

Being able to wear that belt, as the first Japanese fighter, is something I’m truly proud of.“Winning the ONE [World] Title has made me truly believe that I am the best in the world. As the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai [World] Champion, I believe I represent this division. My performance reflects the strength of Muay Thai and proves what it’s all about.”View this post on InstagramNow comes the first defense, and it arrives in the form of a deeply familiar face.

Nadaka and Songchainoi first crossed paths in 2023, with Nadaka taking that contest.Since that defeat, the Thai contender has built a 10-1 promotional record. The rematch has been three years in the making, and Nadaka is not about to underestimate what awaits him.He said:“I fought Songchainoi about three years ago, and I won that fight. But three years is a long time, and I’m not taking anything lightly, not at all.“After losing to me, he went on a nine-fight win streak in ONE.

So to me, it feels like facing a completely new opponent. I want to approach it that way. This is a highly anticipated matchup for ONE fans, so I want both of us to deliver a fight that lives up to it.”View this post on InstagramNadaka Plans To Overwhelm Challenger With Superior SpeedNadaka recognizes what makes his Thai challenger dangerous and has identified the game plan that will preserve his World Title reign.Songchainoi’s striking power is the best in the atomweight division.

But Nadaka believes his speed is the decisive edge. By moving faster than Songchainoi expects, the defending king plans to disrupt the timing and rhythm the challenger relies upon.He said:“I think his striking power is number one in this division. And in addition to that, he also has great speed.

But when it comes to speed, I have pride in that I absolutely have to be the best, so I won’t lose in that area.“As for weaknesses, I don’t think Songchainoi has much experience facing someone faster than him. So I want to move faster than him and throw him off.”View this post on InstagramTokyo’s Ariake Arena is the perfect stage for his most complete performance yet. For his first defense in front of Japanese fans, Nadaka wants more than victory — he is targeting a finish and a performance bonus.He said:“Like a true champion, I want to win by knockout in dominant fashion.

I’ve had four fights in ONE, but I haven’t earned a bonus yet. So this time, I want to deliver a performance that earns one.”View this post on InstagramSource