While in the Lumpinee Stadium ring, the announcement began. He initially assumed it was for an additional monetary incentive. However, the term “contract” was uttered. He remained in a state of disbelief as he departed the venue.
Taiga “Black Samurai” Orii secured a US$100,000 ONE Championship agreement by defeating Julian Mayorga through a ground-and-pound technical knockout at 3 minutes and 3 seconds into the initial round during The Inner Circle event on June 5, held at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Japanese competitor, aged 30, has maintained an undefeated professional record by incapacitating every adversary he has encountered, with Mayorga joining Zar Mawia, whom he overcame in his April promotional premiere.
Just four years prior, Orii had not participated in any competitive striking. He was employed as a Japanese language interpreter in Cebu, Philippines, and happened upon an MMA training facility from simple inquisitiveness. This led to an amateur standing of 10 wins and 2 losses, followed by three consecutive professional stoppages, the acquisition of the Philippine Combat Championship Featherweight Title, and a ONE Championship introduction resulting in two victories and a signed agreement within an eight-week timeframe.
The genesis of this entire journey can be attributed to an online video platform. Orii admired a particular Japanese MMA combatant whose clips elucidated fighting methods during sparring breaks, and he articulated the profound impact these videos had on his comprehension of the discipline.
“Initially, mixed martial arts was nothing more than an avocation for me. My motivation for pursuing it stemmed from a Japanese idol, who simultaneously operated a YouTube channel and competed in MMA,” he stated.
“Upon reviewing his YouTube content following each sparring session, he consistently elaborated on various MMA methodologies, and that’s when I understood it required intellect, distinguishing it from a mere street brawl.”
Taiga Orii secures agreement, eyes bantamweight global championship
When Taiga Orii commenced his training, his aspirations were quite humble. Involvement with ONE Championship was not even a consideration. He recounted the self-imposed limitations he adhered to before consecutive victories began elevating his prospects.
Those perceived limits shifted progressively with each bout throughout the Philippine amateur circuit, followed by three professional stoppage wins, and subsequently through a contract revelation at Lumpinee Stadium which he could hardly accept upon hearing it.
“In my initial training phase, competing for a promotion such as ONE Championship felt utterly beyond reach. Consequently, I never entertained such a dream, as it represented an excessively ambitious objective, especially given I only began three to four years ago,” he remarked.
“It remains incredible to me that I secured the agreement. My initial impression was that the announcer was conveying different information, and I mused, ‘Ah, another incentive.’ However, upon comprehending it was the contract… Indeed, I was simply unable to process it then. I am genuinely thankful for this chance. I will endeavor maximally to fulfill my aspirations.”
