On May 3, 2024, Chinese kickboxing superstar Wei Rui made his ONE Championship debut at ONE Fight Night 22. His opponent was none other than former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion, Hiroki Akimoto. The stage was set for an intense clash of styles and skills at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Wei Rui, a 32-year-old former K-1 World Champion with an impressive 20-fight winning streak, faced the challenge of Akimoto’s power and experience. Akimoto, known for his hard-hitting strikes, aimed to prove himself against the agile and speedy Wei Rui. The matchup promised fireworks, and fans were eager to witness the clash of these two elite kickboxers.
The Controversial Decision
After a hard-fought battle, Wei Rui emerged victorious via a decision. However, some critics questioned the judges’ call, deeming it controversial. Akimoto’s camp expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming that the fight could have gone either way. The debate centered around the criteria used for scoring, especially considering Akimoto’s powerful strikes versus Wei Rui’s agility and movement.
Wei Rui’s Response
In the aftermath of the bout, Rui addressed the criticism head-on. He confidently stated, “If you think this decision is controversial, probably we have some room to improve your knowledge of the rules.” His words reflected both his belief in the judges’ decision and his conviction that understanding the intricacies of kickboxing rules was essential for appreciating the fight’s outcome.
Wei Rui hits back at the criticism of his win over Hiroki Akimoto.
“If you think this decision is controversial, probably we have some room to improve your knowledge of the rules,” he told @nicatkinONE.
Full interview: https://t.co/Z1BwLz1JRs#ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/cEDZSqVf3a
— Sportskeeda MMA (@sportskeedaMMA) May 5, 2024
Rui’s victory over Akimoto opens up exciting possibilities for his future in ONE Championship. As one of the planet’s top pound-for-pound kickboxers, Wei Rui has his eyes on reigning champions like Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Jonathan “The General” Haggerty. However, he remains focused on the present, not looking past Akimoto. If he continues to perform at this level, a shot at the bantamweight kickboxing title could be within reach.
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