Shimon Yoshinari has been nothing short of perfect since arriving inside ONE Championship, and this Friday, November 13, he hopes to carry that flawless form straight into the 2026-2027 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix. The Japanese phenom opens his tournament campaign against Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash in a pivotal quarterfinal at ONE Friday Fights 178.
Shimon Yoshinari Opens Grand Prix Against Ramadan Ondash, Predicts Easy Finish At ONE Friday Fights 178
A Flawless Run Built On National Pride
Shimon’s path to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable.
The 22-year-old Yokohama native, who trains out of Eiwa Sports Gym, has gone a perfect 6-0 (1 NC) inside ONE Championship, a run that already secured him a life-changing US$100,000 contract.
His most recent performance only added to that résumé, as he systematically dismantled Suablack Tor Pran49 at ONE SAMURAI 3 this past September, delivering a clinical finish that punched his ticket into what is being called “the greatest World Grand Prix in history.”
Beyond the belt and the bracket, Shimon carries an added layer of motivation into this tournament: he stands as his country's sole representative in the entire field.
“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.”
Respect For ‘The Scorpion’ But Not Impressed
Standing in his way is Ondash, who has built his own compelling story inside ONE Championship.
After originally earning his contract and global roster spot through four consecutive wins on the ONE Friday Fights circuit, the 20-year-old Beirut resident made the jump up to flyweight and has looked sharp ever since, riding a two-bout winning streak into this quarterfinal matchup.
Shimon, however, has clearly done his homework, and he isn’t particularly moved by what he’s seen on tape.
“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.”
Respecting The Danger, Trusting The Game Plan
That confidence doesn’t mean Shimon is taking his opponent lightly.
He fully acknowledges the genuine threat Ondash poses, pointing directly to his speed and power as legitimate concerns heading into Friday’s quarterfinal.
Still, Shimon believes that if he sticks to what he’s prepared in camp, the outcome won’t be in question for long.
After all, when your cousin is ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka Yoshinari, who is constantly overseeing his training, then a new level of confidence can easily be unlocked.
“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.”
