Alex Silva steps up to challenge Yoshitaka Naito for the ONE Strawweight Title
Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Alex Silva will look to continue the recent run of challengers unseating titleholders in the ONE Championship cage.
The Evolve MMA submission wizard will take on defending ONE Strawweight World Champion Yoshitaka Naito in the main event of ONE: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD in Bangkok, Thailand, on 9 December.
Silva announced himself as the clear number-one contender for the world title, putting on a stunning display of submission skills as he ended the undefeated record of Japanese contender Hayato Suzuki at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD earlier this month.
His first-round armbar submission left those in attendance with no doubt that “Little Rock” was the right man to step up and challenge for Naito’s title, setting up a battle between the 6-1 Brazilian jiu-jitsu star and the undefeated 12-0 champion in a fascinating world title clash.
After seeing the ONE Flyweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, and Middleweight World Titles change hands in the space of the last few months, Silva is keen to prompt another title change before the end of 2017 with victory over Naito.
The 35-year-old is a mainstay at Singapore’s Evolve MMA team – a camp that has produced a host of ONE Championship superstars, including Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee and Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren.
Now, Silva plans on adding to the gym’s crowded trophy cabinet.
“Defeating Hayato Suzuki has been one of my greatest accomplishments inside the ONE Championship cage,” Silva explained.
“I was very well prepared to for him. I expected a tougher match, and I did not expect him to try to take me down and compete with me on the ground, because I knew if it went to the ground that I would submit him.
“So I saw the armbar, I went for it, and now we’re here. I’m competing for the ONE Strawweight World Championship, and have a chance to be known as the best strawweight in the world. I’m excited for the opportunity.”
Naito, on the other hand, won the title with victory over former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, and most recently completed an impressive defence of his title with a submission finish of Filipino contender Joshua Pacio.
Now, he’s ready to put his title on the line once more against a dangerous new challenger.
“Winning the ONE Strawweight World Championship and becoming world champion was always a dream of mine,” said Naito.
“To be recognised amongst my peers as the best at what I do is important to me.
“Having this belt means I am a master of my craft. It hasn’t been easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but I am prepared to do whatever it takes.
“Alex Silva is a worthy challenger and an amazing competitor. I look forward to testing my skills against him.”
Naito vs Silva tops the bout list for another spectacular ONE Championship event, as a host of Asia’s very best martial arts stars will showcase their skills at the Impact Arena.
Thailand’s own Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai is set to play a starring role on the card, along with Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige. Wiratchai will face Russian Rasul Yakhyaev in the night’s co-main attraction, in a bout that has been tipped to determine the next challenger for the ONE Lightweight World Title.
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