Kaito Ono arrived in ONE Championship as one of Japans most highly respected strikers. But after his first two appearances on the global stage, the decorated fighter found himself trapped in a period of unfamiliar darkness.Mohammad Siasarani spoiled his promotional debut by unanimous decision in May 2025, before Marat Grigorian stopped him at ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April, leaving the 28-year-old with hazy memories of the bout.View this post on InstagramKaito now rematches Siasarani in the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament quarterfinal, which serves as the co-main event at ONE SAMURAI 2 this Saturday, August 8. The explosive card broadcasts live in Asia primetime on live.onefc.com from Tokyos EBARA WAVE Arena Ota.A victory would perfectly avenge his first ONE loss, earn a coveted semifinal place in the eight-man bracket, and move him one step closer to reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.He recalled:It took time for the reality of the knockout loss to sink in. As I rewatched the fight and fragments of my memory began returning, that was when the real frustration started boiling up inside me. Once I fully accepted what had happened, it wasnt only frustration. It is difficult to put into words, but I felt as though I had been trapped in complete darkness.View this post on InstagramAfter collecting immense championship success across SHOOT BOXING, RISE, and KNOCK OUT, Kaito was entirely unaccustomed to such a setback. But following the stoppage, the Japanese striking ace stepped away from his rigorous training for a full month. He stopped his daily runs, spent quality time with friends, enjoyed his hobbies, and allowed himself to live without constantly agonizing over competition.Kaito initially wondered whether the extended break might cool his deep passion for martial arts. Instead, it forcefully reminded him how badly he wanted to return to the global stage and reignited his desire for another opportunity against Grigorian.He said:Before long, I wanted to move my body and start training again. I also wanted an immediate rematch with Grigorian. I truly believed that the version of me now could beat him. Even though I didnt train during that month, my confidence and hunger quickly returned. Taking that break actually brought those feelings out of me.View this post on InstagramThe difficult loss also followed Kaito into his sleep. Because he could not clearly remember the finishing sequence, watching the broadcast footage felt like observing another person entirely, and the dramatic scene began replaying in his dreams.However, the experience did not create any lingering fear. Instead, it strengthened his resolute determination to prove that the darkest defeat of his professional career would never define him.Kaito explained:Sometimes, I would suddenly wake up thinking, Ah, I got knocked out again. But what I felt wasnt fear. It was pure frustration and a burning desire to fight him again immediately.I kept thinking, Theres no way it ends like this. Next time, Im the one finishing him. Even those unpleasant dreams ultimately became positive motivation. I still have bad dreams occasionally, but my focus is completely forward.View this post on InstagramKaito Plans To Break Siasaranis Elite Distance ControlBefore Kaito can confidently pursue another meeting with Marat Grigorian, he must first solve the opponent who originally denied him a victory in ONE.Mohammad Siasarani enters their rematch riding a spectacular five-bout winning streak. The 24-year-old former WBC Muay Thai World Champion has defeated Liu Spirit Dragon Mengyang, Kaito, Oskar SugarGoku Siegert, Smokin' Jo Nattawut, and Pedro Guerreiro Dantas during that flawless run, earning a US$100,000 contract while remaining entirely unbeaten in kickboxing under the ONE banner.Kaito firmly believes the Iranians most dangerous quality is his masterful command of space.In their first encounter, Siasarani repeatedly placed the Japanese star at an uncomfortable range. Even when Kaito pressed forward, he found himself fighting at his rivals preferred distance and simply could not establish his usual striking rhythm until late in the contest.Kaito said:Siasarani is exceptionally good at controlling his position and distance. He skillfully took away my preferred range. Even while I was attacking, he kept me inside the distance that favored him throughout all three rounds.His control of distance and spatial awareness are among the best of any fighter I have faced.View this post on InstagramDistance is also central to Kaitos own identity.The Japanese standout describes his movement as an original style that carefully allows his attacks to connect while his opponents strikes safely fall short.This time around, Kaito plans to erase Siasaranis preferred distance from the opening bell, forcefully dictate his own rhythm, and actively look for a definitive finish. A victory would avenge his debut setback, halt Siasaranis incredible winning streak, secure his rightful place in the tournament semifinals, and allow Kaito to show his dedicated supporters that he has fully escaped the darkness surrounding his previous defeat.The Japanese star said:I want to show everyone what a man destined to become the strongest in the world looks like. This is also my opportunity to get revenge against Siasarani, and overcoming him is the first step.I know many fans were saddened when I went through that dark period after being knocked out, so I want to bring light back to them through my fighting. I believe there is real meaning in winning the very next fight after a loss.View this post on InstagramSource