Yoshitaka Naito vs Alex Silva: The Title Comeback Tale
Round 12, May 12, Jakarta – The Japanese superstar feels the pressure of winning back a title he lost in a hard‑fought bout. He’s set to face the Brazilian to reclaim the coveted ONE Strawweight World Championship.
Why the Rematch Matters
- Quick Reversal: “It’s rare to set a rematch so soon,” Naito admits, “and it’s unlikely we’ll have a third one.”
- Final Fight: “I’ll only get one shot at this, so it’s crucial,” he says.
- Role Switch: “Last time I was the titan, now I’m the challenger. I know he’s stiff, but I’ll give it my all.”
The First Encounter
Naito and Silva traded punches and grapples for a full five rounds. Silva’s sharp striking edges from the shine on the scorecards, catching even Naito off guard.
“Alex had the upper hand in that cage. I couldn’t lead the fight as I wanted; I kept adjusting,” Naito reflects.
“I thought his number one weakness would be striking, given his jiu‑jitsu roots, but the blows landed hard.”
“It was the first time I faced a fellow all‑rounder,” he sings, “and when I lost, I felt I wasn’t good enough at anything.”
Moping to Motivation
Following the loss, the former champion admitted he was in the “moping for weeks” mood. But he declared: “After a lay‑off to recharge, I’m back with a fresh mind and more fire than ever.”
Heart & Heartbreak: “My heart’s stronger now, I hope I’m also stronger physically,” he says. “I truly respect Alex – he’s a fantastic athlete.”
“The belt matters to me; it’s an honor to fight the best in the division. Whether I win or not, the chance to secure the championship feels amazing.”
