Former K-1 super welterweight champion joins Takeru, Noiri and Yoza as ONE Championship expands its Japan roster ahead of ONE 173 in Tokyo
Hiromi Wajima has signed an exclusive multi-fight contract with ONE Championship, becoming the latest star from Japan’s kickboxing scene to join the promotion’s growing roster.
The former K-1 super welterweight champion announced the news this week, ending speculation about his next move after his K-1 contract expired in July.
‘I have signed with ONE Championship!’ Wajima said in a social media post on Tuesday. ‘Thank you for your support. I aim to be the best in the world! I can’t wait to fight!’
The 30-year-old last competed in December 2024, and his arrival adds further depth to ONE’s stacked striking divisions as the organisation continues its push into the Japanese market.
Wajima joins an elite list of fellow Japanese kickboxing stars who have crossed over from K-1 in recent years – including Takeru Segawa, Masaaki Noiri, and Yuki Yoza, all from the renowned VASILEUS Gym stable.
Former K-1 and Rizin standout Rukiya Anpo has also signed a multi-fight deal and will make his debut at ONE 173 on November 16 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, where he faces Marat Grigorian in a blockbuster lightweight clash.
Another former K-1 star, Kana Morimoto, will face Thai icon Stamp Fairtex in an atomweight kickboxing bout on the card.
The move underlines ONE’s aggressive expansion in Japan, with the upcoming ONE 173 shaping up as one of the biggest martial arts events in the country’s history. The show will feature at least seven title fights, split into two sessions with a two-hour intermission between cards.
Doors will open at midday, with the ten-hour spectacle scheduled to conclude at 10pm, the Bangkok Post was told by CEO and chairman Chatri Sityodtong.
It follows the success of ONE 172 in March at Saitama Super Arena, which drew more than 10,000 fans and generated a US$2 million gate, setting a benchmark for the promotion’s return to Japan.