Returning Adiwang clashes with Yamakita

Lito Adiwang is hoping to ride a strong wave of momentum as he enters 2025 with the goal of making it to the top of the weight class. 

His first order of battle will be a date with fifth-ranked mixed martial arts (MMA) strawweight fighter Keito Yamakita at ONE Fight Night 28 on 8 February inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, a match that could send him back into the rankings if he scores yet another win. 

The 31-year-old Adiwang promises that he won’t disappoint in his return to the ONE stage as he eyes his fourth straight victory since returning from an anterior cruciate ligament tear late in 2023. 

“To my fans and supporters, Happy New Year! And I promise to make it even happier by announcing my return in the ring this February 8,” Adiwang said. 

“My new year has been silent because I am saving all the fireworks [for] fight day, so don’t miss it.”

Showing how serious he is about preparing for this match, Adiwang cut his holidays short. In fact, he only spent time in the Philippines for Christmas before flying back to Bali to train with Soma MMA two days later. 

He said there were no fancy New Year’s celebrations for him as he stays focused on booking a win that will get him back into the MMA rankings.

“He’s a grinder, that’s why I’m truly preparing for this fight,” he continued. 

Adiwang will have a familiar face with him on the card when his good friend and ex-teammate Jeremy Pacatiw also returns to action that night. 

Dubbed as “The Juggernaut,” Pacatiw battles Ibrahim Dauev in a bantamweight MMA bout, where he could take his third straight win in the promotion — his fourth in five bouts.