Shimon Yoshinari Opens Grand Prix Against Ramadan Ondash, Predicts Easy Finish at ONE Friday Fights 178
Unbeaten in ONE Championship, Shimon Yoshinari enters the Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix determined to represent Japan and confident he can finish Ramadan Ondash in their quarterfinal clash.
Shimon Yoshinari has been nearly flawless since arriving in ONE Championship, and this Friday, November 13, he hopes to carry that form into the 2026-2027 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix.
The Japanese standout opens his tournament campaign against Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash in a pivotal quarterfinal at ONE Friday Fights 178.
Shimon Yoshinari's Unbeaten ONE Run Fuels His National Pride
Shimon's path to this moment has been remarkable.
The 22-year-old Yokohama native, who trains at Eiwa Sports Gym, has compiled a 6-0 (1 NC) record in ONE Championship, a run that has already earned him a life-changing US$100,000 contract.
His most recent performance only strengthened that résumé. In September, he systematically dismantled Suablack Tor Pran49 at ONE SAMURAI 3, delivering a clinical finish that secured his place in what has been described as “the greatest World Grand Prix in history.”
Beyond the championship belt and the tournament bracket, Shimon has another source of motivation: he is Japan's only representative in the competition.
“I got selected as a Japanese representative, so I have to show the strength of Japan,” Shimon said. “I also want to show the strength of a member of Eiwa Sports Gym and win this championship.”
Shimon Respects Ramadan Ondash but Believes He Has the Edge
Standing in his way is Ondash, who has built an impressive story of his own in ONE Championship.
After earning his contract and a place on the organization's global roster through four consecutive victories on the ONE Friday Fights circuit, the 20-year-old Beirut resident moved up to flyweight and has continued to impress.
He enters this quarterfinal on a two-fight winning streak.
Shimon, however, has studied his opponent and isn't particularly impressed by what he has seen.
“What I am superior in compared to Ramadan is everything other than speed,” Shimon explained. “When you talk about what separates me from him, or what's different between us, I'd say everything. I don't see anything similar between him and me.”
Yoshinari Trusts His Game Plan to Deliver a Quick Finish
That confidence doesn't mean Shimon is underestimating his opponent.
He recognizes the danger Ondash presents, particularly his speed and power, which he considers genuine threats heading into Friday's quarterfinal.
Still, Shimon believes that if he executes the game plan developed during training camp, the fight could end quickly.
He also benefits from the guidance of his cousin, Nadaka Yoshinari, ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion, who regularly oversees his training and has helped strengthen his confidence.
“Ramadan has his speed, his power, and he is dangerous. But if I can execute what I have trained for in this fight, I'm going to be the one who has the advantage,” Shimon said.
“If I can do what I have planned, it will be a fight that easily ends.”
