Taiki Naito Eyes Redemption Against Nong-O, Targets Jaosuayai and Takeru for Future Showdowns

Taiki Naito has found new momentum in his career, and now he’s aiming high — not just for gold, but for redemption. After enduring a difficult stretch, the Japanese striker returned to the win column with a crucial performance at ONE Fight Night 32, defeating Colombia’s Johan Estupinan by majority decision. The bout, held inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on June 6, was a make-or-break scenario, and Naito delivered.

The victory not only reestablished him as a force in the flyweight division but also reignited a long-standing personal mission — to avenge his coach, Hiroaki Suzuki, who once fell to Thai legend Nong-O Hama.

Back in May 2019, at ONE: Warrior of Light, Suzuki faced Nong-O in a bantamweight Muay Thai World Title bout. Though Suzuki came in with momentum, Nong-O delivered a masterclass, picking him apart over five rounds to earn a unanimous decision win. A young Naito was in Suzuki’s corner that night, witnessing his mentor’s defeat firsthand — a memory that has lingered ever since.

Now, with Nong-O having moved down to the flyweight division, Naito sees the perfect opportunity to settle the score and finally bring the story full circle.

“My current teacher, Hiroaki [Suzuki], he also fought a title match with Nong-O before, and I was there as a corner man, and I saw that, and I was impressed,” Naito shared.“Since Nong-O is at flyweight, I think it will be a good match for me to fight Nong-O.”

Beyond seeking vengeance, Naito has also outlined potential future matchups that could further elevate his standing. One such target is Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi, a surging Thai talent who made a massive impact in his main roster debut at the same event, obliterating #4-ranked Nakrob Fairtex in just 52 seconds.

Naito acknowledged Jaosuayai’s punching power and expressed interest in what could be a thrilling clash of strikers.

“First, if toward Jaosuayai, it’s going to be a very good punching fight because I’ve also improved my punch skills too,” he noted.

Still, Naito isn’t restricting himself to Muay Thai. Should the opportunity arise, he’s open to returning to kickboxing rules — especially if it involves facing Takeru Segawa, a former K-1 Champion. With ONE 173 scheduled to take place in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena this November, Naito believes that a showdown with Takeru on home soil could electrify fans and mark a historic

moment in Japanese combat sports.

“It’s going to be within this year, and if there’s a big fight [card] in Japan, I’d love to fight there with Takeru. And I’m very confident this fight will entertain the whole Japan.”

With a renewed sense of purpose and a trio of compelling potential opponents — Nong-O, Jaosuayai, and Takeru — Taiki Naito is carving a clear path through both the Muay Thai and kickboxing ranks. His pursuit of redemption and legacy is just heating up.