Tagir Khalilov vs Hyu Iwata: A Flyweight Kickboxing War Added to ONE Fight Night 35

ONE Fight Night 35

Tagir Khalilov vs Hyu Iwata: A Flyweight Kickboxing War Added to ONE Fight Night 35

ONE Championship continues to make waves in the combat sports world as they announce a thrilling addition to their upcoming ONE Fight Night 35 event. In a high-stakes flyweight kickboxing matchup, Tagir "Samingpri" Khalilov will face the undefeated Japanese phenom Hyu Iwata. The fight, set for September 5, 2025, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, promises to be an absolute barnburner. The two men are set to deliver an electrifying contest that could potentially shift the landscape of the flyweight division.

Fighter Profiles

Tagir Khalilov

• Record: 26-12-2

• Nationality: Russian

• Style: Kickboxing, Muay Thai

• Strengths: Khalilov is known for his brutal knockout power and unyielding resilience. He has faced and stood toe-to-toe with some of the best in the flyweight division, including the likes of Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9. Khalilov has proven himself time and time again as a dangerous fighter who is never willing to back down. His striking is aggressive, and he’s a formidable opponent in the clinch. His most recent performance at ONE Fight Night 32 saw him defeat Liao Shixu via unanimous decision, earning a spot in the flyweight rankings. However, Khalilov is looking to make a bigger statement in this matchup against a rising star.

• Notable Victories: Four wins in ONE Championship, including a notable finish against Chorfah Tor Sangtiennoi. His resilience and ability to overcome adversity in the ring have earned him respect, even in defeat.

Hyu Iwata

• Record: 11-0

• Nationality: Japanese

• Style: Kickboxing, Muay Thai

• Strengths: At just 23 years old, Iwata has quickly emerged as one of the brightest talents in the flyweight division. With an undefeated record, the Japanese fighter has been on a tear, delivering dominant performances and finishing opponents with incredible efficiency. Known for his lightning-fast striking and relentless pressure, Iwata’s highlight reel includes several knockouts and clinic-like performances, including an impressive three-round victory over Youcef Saad and knockouts of Leandro Miranda and Zakaria El Jamari.

• Notable Victories: A perfect 11-0 record with several dominant performances against top-tier competition. Iwata’s ascent has been nothing short of spectacular, and he’s hungry to take on the veterans of the division to prove his place among the elite.

Why This Fight Matters

The addition of Khalilov vs. Iwata to ONE Fight Night 35 adds a layer of intrigue to an already stacked card. For Tagir Khalilov, this is more than just a fight—it's a chance to prove he still has what it takes to rise to the top of a highly competitive division. A win over Iwata, who is seen as one of the brightest young stars in kickboxing, would put Khalilov back on the radar for a potential title shot.

On the other hand, Hyu Iwata has an opportunity to elevate his status even further. An undefeated fighter with such impressive wins under his belt is already on the brink of a breakout year, and a victory over a seasoned veteran like Khalilov would cement his status as one of the top flyweight contenders in ONE Championship.

This fight is a true clash of experience vs. youth. Khalilov, the seasoned veteran with a wealth of combat experience, faces a hungry, fast-rising star in Iwata, who will no doubt come into this fight looking to continue his unbeaten streak and make a statement.

What to Expect from the Fight

Expect fireworks from the first bell. Both fighters are known for their high-octane striking, and with both fighters standing at 5'7" and competing in the 125 lb flyweight division, this fight is sure to be an intense, fast-paced affair. Khalilov’s aggressive approach, with a focus on clinching and powerful strikes, will be met with Iwata’s speed and dynamic movement.

Both fighters have displayed impressive technique in their previous bouts, and this matchup will likely feature a battle of striking supremacy. Can Khalilov impose his will with his strong clinch game and knockout power, or will Iwata’s lightning-quick strikes and undefeated mindset prove to be too much for the Russian veteran?

The Bigger Picture

With the flyweight division in ONE Championship constantly evolving, this fight serves as an important milestone for both men. A victory here for either fighter could see them propelled into title contention, with the potential for future bouts against the likes of Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Superlek Kiatmoo9, or even the division’s reigning champions.

For Khalilov, a win could revive his championship aspirations, while for Iwata, it's the chance to establish himself as the next big thing in ONE Championship kickboxing.

Event Details

ONE Fight Night 35 will be broadcast live on Prime Video during U.S. primetime and will feature a stacked lineup of exciting fights across multiple disciplines.

• Event: ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger

• Date: Friday, September 5, 2025

• Venue: Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand

• Broadcast: Live on Prime Video in U.S. primetime

Fans can expect a night filled with some of the best strikers in the world competing at the highest level, and the Khalilov vs. Iwata bout is sure to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the evening.

FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down

As ONE Championship continues to cement itself as a global leader in martial arts, Tagir Khalilov vs. Hyu Iwata is a fight that will captivate fans worldwide. With Khalilov looking to prove his staying power and Iwata aiming to keep his undefeated streak intact, this flyweight kickboxing war is shaping up to be a must-watch. Make sure to tune in to ONE Fight Night 35 to witness this explosive showdown!

For more information on ONE Fight Night 35 and to catch all the action live, visit ONE Championship's official website and stay tuned for updates on fight cards and matchups.