Fifth-ranked contender Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash has his sights set on the biggest victory of his career, and a shot at facing his childhood idol sits just one win away. The Lebanese sensation opens ONE Friday Fights 178 this Friday, November 13, against #4-ranked contender Shimon Yoshinari in a ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinal. If he wins, a date in the semifinals against the winner of Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Nong-O Hama will be waiting in the wings.
Ramadan Ondash Vows To Shatter Shimon Yoshinari’s Unbeaten Run, Set Up A Date With His Idol At ONE Friday Fights 178
A Flawless Japanese Standout Stands In His Way
This represents the toughest test of Ondash’s career so far.
Standing across from him is Shimon, a highly technical southpaw who owns a 27-1 (1 NC) career record and has remained completely untouched inside ONE Championship. Most recently, he turned heads by turning off Suablack Tor Pran49’s lights at ONE SAMURAI 3 in September.
The 22-year-old Japanese standout is a former WBC Muay Thai World Champion who has built his reputation on sharp timing, precise combinations, and relentless attacks to the body, which earned him a US$100,000 contract and established him as one of the flyweight Muay Thai division’s premier young talents.
Ondash, however, isn’t intimidated by his opponent’s near-perfect résumé.
“He’s fast, but he doesn’t have power. He has fast punches and kicks, but he doesn’t have power,” the 20-year-old Lebanese fighter said. “He’s a good fighter, a good opponent, but I want to stop him.”
Ondash’s Own Rise Has Been Just As Impressive
Ondash’s path to this moment has been built on genuine momentum of his own.
After initially earning his life-changing contract through four consecutive wins on the ONE Friday Fights circuit, he made the move up to flyweight and has looked sharper than ever, defeating both Suriyanlek Por Yenying and Johan “Jojo” Ghazali in consecutive outings to climb into the division’s top five.
Having exchanged heat with some of the most talented young stars on the roster, it’s clear that Shimon’s background doesn’t faze “The Scorpion” in the slightest.
“I want to do my best because I have a big heart. I have a strong heart. I have everything. I’m ready for everyone,” Ondash said.
“I don’t care now. I’m fighting these big names, and I don’t care who wants to fight next. I want to fight him with my legs, with my punches, with my elbows, everything. This is just the beginning for me.”
A Potential Showdown With His Idol Looms
Beyond Friday’s quarterfinal, an even bigger storyline could await Ondash in the semifinals.
Should he get past Shimon, he would face the winner of a separate World Grand Prix quarterfinal clash between Rodtang and Nong-O, two authentic legends of Muay Thai.
For Ondash, the possibility of meeting Rodtang carries personal weight, as the Thai superstar has long served as one of his greatest inspirations.
Still, admiration won’t stop him from chasing the win if the matchup materializes, and he believes his power has grown significantly since the two were last compared.
“Rodtang was my idol. Now, he’s like my future opponent. If I fight Rodtang, I’m going to win. I don’t care if he’s my idol. I’m coming to win,” Ondash said. “You don’t know my punches now. I’ve gotten bigger.”
