Hiroki Akimoto, the former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion, has harbored dreams of becoming a professional martial artist since his early years. His journey is a testament to dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence
Akimoto’s martial arts journey commenced at the age of 8 when he embarked on training in Kyokushin Karate. This early start laid the foundation for his future success in the world of combat sports.
By the age of 15, Akimoto had already committed himself to the path of a professional martial artist. His resolve to turn his childhood dream into reality became unwavering.
Akimoto’s professional kickboxing career in Japan began with a remarkable 19-0 undefeated record. Along the way, he clinched several titles, including the prestigious WBC Muay Thai Japan Featherweight Championship.
In 2018, Akimoto decided to expand his horizons and relocated to Singapore to join the renowned Evolve MMA.
Following a successful tryout, he became a part of this elite team, where he continues to refine his skills.
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Table of Contents
Hiroki Akimoto: Who Is He?
Training with Muay Thai World Champions
At Evolve MMA, Akimoto has the privilege of training under the guidance of numerous Muay Thai World Champions. This experience has undoubtedly contributed to his growth as a martial artist.1
Hiroki Akimoto’s journey from a young martial artist to a world champion is a testament to his talent, dedication, and unwavering passion for the sport.
As he continues to captivate audiences with his electrifying performances, there is no doubt that he is a rising star in the world of ONE Championship kickboxing.
Pursuit of Glory
Having dedicated his life to martial arts and making the bold move to leave his home country behind, Akimoto is now focused on reclaiming the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship.
His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring martial artists worldwide.
Hiroki Akimoto’s story is one of unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence.
His journey from a young dreamer to a professional champion is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in achieving one’s goals in the world of martial arts.
Hiroki Akimoto: Bio
Rising Star in ONE Championship Kickboxing
Hiroki Akimoto, born on August 31, 1992, is a prominent Japanese martial artist and kickboxer making waves in the world of combat sports.
Currently competing in ONE Championship, he showcases his skills in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions.
Akimoto’s prowess in the ring has earned him the prestigious title of former ONE Kickboxing Bantamweight World Champion.
Early Life
Akimoto’s journey into the world of martial arts began at a young age, driven by a passion for combat sports.
As he honed his skills, it became clear that he possessed a natural talent and determination that set him apart from his peers. This early dedication laid the foundation for his future success in the ring.
Rise to Prominence in ONE Championship
Akimoto’s debut in ONE Championship marked the beginning of a remarkable career. With each fight, he showcased not only his technical skills but also his strategic prowess and unwavering resolve.
His ability to adapt to different opponents and fighting styles quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike, propelling him to the forefront of the bantamweight and flyweight divisions.
Achievements and Accolades
Throughout his career, Akimoto has amassed an impressive record of victories, solidifying his status as one of the top competitors in his weight classes.
His highlight-reel knockouts and dominant performances have earned him a legion of loyal fans and the respect of his peers.
Training and Preparation
Behind every successful athlete is a rigorous training regimen, and Akimoto is no exception. His dedication to his craft is evident in his commitment to training, where he hones his skills and fine-tunes his techniques under the guidance of top coaches and trainers.
As Akimoto continues to make his mark in ONE Championship, the future looks bright for this talented martial artist. With his skills, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he is poised to achieve even greater heights in the world of combat sports.
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Hiroki Akimoto: Career
Journey to Kickboxing Stardom
Hiroki Akimoto’s career in kickboxing has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an impressive record and a series of remarkable fights, he has made a name for himself in the world of combat sports.2
Let’s take a closer look at his journey from his early days to becoming a kickboxing champion.
Akimoto’s professional career began with a bang, as he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of kickboxing.
He embarked on a remarkable winning streak, notching up an impressive 19 straight victories. His exceptional performance caught the attention of ONE Championship, one of the most prestigious kickboxing organizations in the world, and he was soon signed by them.
Making His Mark in ONE Championship
Akimoto made his debut with ONE Championship on January 25, 2019, at ONE Championship: Hero’s Ascent.
After a hiatus of nearly six years from kickboxing, he returned to the ring and emerged victorious in his first bout with the organization, winning by unanimous decision.
Despite his early success, Akimoto experienced his first professional loss on March 31, 2019, at ONE Championship: A New Era, where he faced Joseph Lasiri and lost by majority decision.
However, he quickly bounced back from this setback, winning his next fight against Kenny Tse at ONE Championship: Masters Of Destiny on July 12, 2019, by unanimous decision.
Move to Bantamweight
Akimoto’s journey took a new turn when he moved to the bantamweight division. He faced Zhang Chenglong at ONE Championship: Reign of Dynasties 2 on October 17, 2020, and emerged victorious by split decision.
This victory earned him a rematch with Zhang at ONE Championship: Fists Of Fury on February 26, 2021, where he secured a convincing win by unanimous decision.
Rising to the Top
- In a bid for the ONE Bantamweight kickboxing title, Akimoto challenged the reigning champion Capitan Petchyindee Academy at ONE: X on March 25, 2022.
- He put on a stellar performance, dominating the final four rounds of the bout and ultimately winning by unanimous decision.
- His impressive victory earned him the $50,000 Performance of the Night award and the title of the March 2022 “Fighter of the Month” by eFight.
- After successfully defending his title against Petchtanong Petchfergus at ONE 163 on November 18, 2022, Akimoto faced his second professional loss, losing by split decision.
- However, he is determined to bounce back stronger than ever.
- After a hiatus of over a year, Akimoto is set to return to the ring on May 4, 2024, at ONE Fight Night 22, where he will face Wei Rui.
- Fans are eagerly awaiting his return and are excited to see what the future holds for this talented kickboxer.
Hiroki Akimoto: Achievements
A Journey of Triumph in Kickboxing and Karate
Hiroki Akimoto’s rise to fame in the world of martial arts is a testament to his dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence.3
From his early days as an amateur kickboxer to his current status as a professional champion, Akimoto has left an indelible mark on the sport. Let’s delve into his remarkable accomplishments across various disciplines.
Kickboxing: A Path of Glory
Amateur Successes: Laying the Foundation
In the realm of amateur kickboxing, Akimoto’s talent shone brightly.
He made a significant impact in the Martial Arts Japan Kickboxing Federation (MAJKF), where he emerged as the Bantamweight Winner and event MVP in the 2008 MAJKF All Japan Tournament.
This early triumph showcased his potential and set the stage for his future endeavors.
Professional Ascension: Conquering ONE Championship
Transitioning to the professional scene, Akimoto’s journey reached new heights in the ONE Championship.
Here, he claimed the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.
His memorable bout against Capitan Petchyindee not only secured him the championship but also earned him the Performance of the Night honors, highlighting his exceptional skills and determination.
Additional Kickboxing Achievements
Akimoto’s prowess extended beyond the ONE Championship.
He also clinched the 2012 MAJKF Featherweight Championship and the 2012 WBC Muay Thai Japan Featherweight Championship, further solidifying his status as a top-tier kickboxer.
Awards and Accolades: Recognizing Excellence
Throughout his career, Akimoto has garnered numerous awards, underscoring his exceptional talent and dedication.
Notable among these are the two-time Fighter of the Month titles by eFight.jp and the prestigious 2022 Beyond Kick “Fight of the Year” award for his thrilling clash against Capitan Petchyindee Academy.
Karate: A Testament to Versatility
Aside from kickboxing, Akimoto has also excelled in karate, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a martial artist.
Early Karate Achievements
His early years in karate saw him achieve success in various competitions.
Notably, he was the runner-up in the Japan Karate Judge Organization (JKJO) Karate-Do MAC Japan Cup Middle School in different weight categories from 2005 to 2007.
He also achieved runner-up positions in the 2007 JKJO All Japan Junior Championship Middle School.
Success in Full Contact Karate
Transitioning to full contact karate, Akimoto continued to excel.
He secured the Lightweight Champion title in the 2017 JFKO All Japan Full Contact Championship, showcasing his adaptability across different martial arts disciplines.
Kyokushin Glory: Conquering New Heights
In the world of Kyokushin, Akimoto’s achievements are equally impressive.
He claimed the 2016 KWF Russian Open Lightweight 1st Place and the 2017 KWF Karate Grand Prix Lightweight Champion titles, among others, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted martial artist.
Professional Kyokushin Triumphs
Akimoto’s success story extended to the professional realm of Kyokushin as well. In 2018, he was crowned the WFKO World Pro Kyokushin -65kg Champion, adding another feather to his illustrious cap.
Hiroki Akimoto’s journey in martial arts is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional skill, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
From his early triumphs in amateur kickboxing to his current status as a professional champion across multiple disciplines, Akimoto has left an indelible mark on the world of martial arts, inspiring countless individuals along the way.
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FAQ’s
Who is Hiroki Akimoto?
Hiroki Akimoto is a Japanese kickboxer and karateka. He is known for his exceptional skills in both sports and has achieved significant success in kickboxing, especially in the K-1 World GP and the K-1 World GP Japan tournaments.
What are Hiroki Akimoto’s notable achievements in kickboxing?
Hiroki Akimoto has several notable achievements in kickboxing. He won the K-1 World GP Japan tournament in 2017, defeating Hiroya in the final. He also won the K-1 World GP tournament in 2018, defeating Wang Wenfeng in the final. Additionally, he has secured victories over renowned fighters such as Takeru Segawa and Taiga.
Is Hiroki Akimoto also involved in karate?
Yes, Hiroki Akimoto is also involved in karate. He is a skilled karateka and has competed in karate tournaments, showcasing his talent and technique in this martial art.
What weight class does Hiroki Akimoto compete in?
Hiroki Akimoto competes in the featherweight division in kickboxing, which typically has a weight limit of 57 kilograms (126 pounds).
What is Hiroki Akimoto’s fighting style?
Hiroki Akimoto is known for his technical prowess and strategic approach to fighting. He is adept at using a combination of striking techniques from both kickboxing and karate, making him a versatile and formidable opponent in the ring.
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