Yuki Kondo, Renzo Gracie, Chatri Sityodtong

On July 27, 2018, Yuki “Sora” Kondo, 43, of Japan will compete in the welterweight division at “ONE: Reign of Kings” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. His opponent is his fellow ONE Championship debutante Renzo Gracie, 51, of Brazil.

“This bout has been brewing for a long time,” Kondo stated. “All I can say is that I have much respect for Renzo Gracie and what he has brought to martial arts. I am fully prepared to win this bout, however, and I am completely focused on giving a great performance this Friday night.”

“Fans can expect an action-packed bout between us two,” the Japanese martial arts veteran added. “Thank you for the opportunity, ONE Championship.”

On July 24, 2018, Gracie and Kondo had their face-off at the “ONE: Reign of Kings” at the City of Dreams Manila in Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines. During the event, ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said, “We have a special treat for all the fans in Manila, as world-famous and legendary martial arts icon Renzo Gracie will be showcasing his talent for the final time in his career against Japanese veteran Yuki Kondo.”

“I have known Renzo for a long time and it is an absolute honor and privilege to give them the stage for which he can perform once again and do what he loves to do in front of the entire world,” Sityodtong added. “We are ready to make history once again this Friday night at ‘ONE: Reign of Kings.’ See you all there.”

Kondo is looking forward to bouncing back from a loss. In his most recent bout, which was at “Pancrase vs Deep: Osaka” on December 24, 2017, he was knocked out by his compatriot Jutaro Nakao, 46.

Currently, Kondo holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 60 wins and 34 losses, which he aims to improve at “ONE: Reign of Kings.” Here is the Japanese martial arts legend and Gracie at the press conference:

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