Japanese Debutante Koyomi “Moushigo” Matsushima Destroys Former Champion Marat Gafurov
When the Japanese sensation Koyomi Matsushima stepped into the ONE Championship cage for the first time, no one expected he’d knock out a former Featherweight World Champion in the opening round. The 25‑year‑old from Yokohama delivered a knockout that will keep him in the conversation for the title shot faster than a sushi roll can be flipped.
What Happened in the Fight?
- Opening strategy: Matsushima opened with a flurry of kicks that made Gafurov back off and shuffle, giving the rookie a chance to tighten his plan.
- Mid‑round tactics: The Russian started to press, but when he attempted a takedown, Matsushima counter‑attacked, causing Gafurov to falter.
- All‑in move: On their feet again, Gafurov charged, only to leave his left hand hanging like a misplaced tooth. Matsushima seized the moment and dropped him with a sharp right hook.
- Final assault: The crowd watched as Matsushima followed up with a barrage of punches, ending the round at 2:41.
Why This Matters
Despite his rookie status in ONE, Matsushima’s knockout makes him an instant contender for the featherweight division. By taking down the seasoned fighter, he jumps straight into the upper echelons of the rankings, while Gafurov’s record now sits at 10‑3.
Fans’ Reactions
Social media exploded with emojis: for the power, for the intensity, and for Matsushima’s skill. Some commentators joked that Gafurov must have addressed the word “miss” after that left hand flail. One meme even compared the fight to “an awkward handshake turned full‑blown handshake.”
Future Outlook
With this victory under his belt, Matsushima will likely earn a title shot within the year. The Japanese fighter has shown that even a debut can be a spectacular stage‑setting act—so keep your eyes on next year’s ONE schedules. The featherweight division just got a little more electric!
