Gilbert Nakatani is gearing up to display his full potential as he transitions to the strawweight division at ONE Fight Night 47, scheduled for September 4. The event will be streamed live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and marks a significant moment for the 32-year-old fighter from California.
Nakatani will face Nazareth "The Northstar" Lalthazuala, an undefeated prospect from India, in what promises to be an exciting matchup. This fight represents a return to familiar territory for Nakatani, who has a history of competing successfully at 125 pounds prior to joining ONE Championship.
Before his tenure with ONE, Nakatani fought eight times at flyweight, securing seven victories and finishing six of his opponents in the first two rounds. His previous experiences have fueled his enthusiasm to return to this weight class, especially after competing at flyweight in his last four ONE bouts, including a notable first-round TKO against Eko Roni Saputra last November.
Expressing his thoughts on the upcoming fight, Nakatani stated, "Being able to go back to my roots with my wrestling pedigree, wrestling every weekend, making weight, and being competition-ready at the right weight class is very important to me." He emphasized the significance of fighting at a weight that aligns with his natural build and experience, saying, "I feel like 125 has always been my home. Now that I get to showcase my skills at the right weight class in Thailand for ONE Championship, I feel ready."
Nakatani's previous fights in ONE were contested at 135 pounds, a decision made by the promotion's hydration-based weigh-in system. Following a setback against Joshua "Flyin Hawaiian" Perreira in April, Nakatani expressed a strong desire to return to 125 pounds. When the opportunity to fight Lalthazuala arose, he was quick to accept.
As he prepares for this pivotal fight, Nakatani acknowledges the challenge posed by Lalthazuala, who has entered the main roster with an impressive record and momentum. The 25-year-old fighter has gone 3-0 on ONE Friday Fights, finishing all his opponents and recently earning a lucrative contract with the organization after a victory over Jhon "The Protagonist" Brutas.
Despite Lalthazuala's credentials, Nakatani remains confident in his abilities, stating, "I just think my skill set is a lot stronger. I don’t focus too much on my opponents. I just work hard in the gym and live a happy, positive lifestyle." He views this fight as an opportunity to push both himself and Lalthazuala to their limits, asserting, "I’m coming in there for a victory, and however it comes, I’ll take it."
Training at Aragon Training Academy under coach Josh Aragon, Nakatani has also sought additional sparring in Las Vegas to refine his skills against elite competition. Balancing his training with fatherhood, he approaches this fight with a sense of urgency but does not perceive it as a desperate situation. He aims to treat it like any other match, focusing on showcasing his capabilities and testing his opponent's resilience.
As Nakatani prepares for this significant bout, he reflects on his career and the challenges he has faced, stating, "It’s always a must-win for me. I have all heart, and I believe in myself to the end." With the fight just around the corner, fans are eager to see how Nakatani's return to strawweight will unfold against a formidable opponent in Lalthazuala.
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