Italian-Canadian kickboxer Jonathan Di Bella is scheduled to face Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the interim ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship on March 23, 2025, at ONE 172 in Japan. Beyond Kickboxing’s Silver Tang and Peter Le talked with Johnathan about the upcoming fight.
KARATE TECHNIQUE: DI BELLA’S SECRET WEAPON
Di Bella’s journey in combat sports began at his father’s gym, where he earned his Kyokushin karate black belt and forged his identity as a second-generation fighter. Trained rigorously in the discipline from a young age by his father, he never felt burdened by the expectations often associated with following in a parent’s footsteps. “I was never forced to fight—this passion is innate, like it’s in my blood,” he emphasized, reflecting on his self-driven motivation.
Di Bella’s Kyokushin roots remain a cornerstone of his pride and strategy. “Kyokushin was my first martial arts, I always had that in my sleeves. I bring the Kyokushin style with me in every fight.” Di Bella told us.
Ahead of his clash with Thai kickboxing star Sam-A at ONE 172, Di Bella sees the event as a stylistic showdown: Kyokushin Kickboxing style versus Thai Kickboxing style. Besides Di Bella, the card features several other Kyokushin-based fighters, including Japanese stars Takeru, Noiri Masaki, and Akimoto, amplifying the theme. “I believe it will be a cool event. It’s like Thai vs. Kyukushin through the whole card. It’s very interesting and I am very excited for it.”
FACING SAM-A: A DREAM FIGHT
When Di Bella signed his contract with ONE Championship, the promotion’s strawweight kickboxing belt was held by Sam-A. “He’s a legend,” Di Bella reflects. “I have always watched his fights and looked forward to fighting with him, but I never got the chance. Now he’s back, and has beaten two top guys since his return, I am pretty excited for the fight between us.”
Di Bella is confident ahead of his upcoming fight with Sam-A, relying on his footwork and counter-attacking skills. This time, he plans to be more aggressive than ever and is prepared to counter Sam-A’s own counter-attacks.
OUTLOOK ON ONE 172
When discussing his upcoming debut at ONE 172 in Japan’s legendary Saitama Super Arena, Di Bella’s enthusiasm was palpable. “I’m very excited. A lot of fights I watched since I was a kid happened at the Saitama Super Arena. It’s an honor for me”
Di Bella also shared his predictions on the main and co-main event of ONE 172 with us, he sees both the Takeru vs. Rodtang and Tawanchai vs. Noiri masaki bouts as evenly matched. “I like all of the four fighters. However, since both Takeru and Noiri are kickboxing and the fights happen in Japan, I think the results will be more in their favor. But in general, both matchups are 50/50.”
Looking beyond ONE 172, Di Bella also revealed interest to test himself at flyweight regardless of the main event’s winner. “Whether Takeru or Rodtang takes it, I’d love to move up and challenge either of them one day."
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
In North America, MMA and boxing enjoy more publicity than kickboxing. Di Bella, as the leader of North America’s kickboxing industry, expressed his determination on developing this sport in North America.
“In North America, kickboxing is not the biggest in martial arts, just because MMA and boxing are bigger things. So I feel like I am the leader, I feel like I have to fight here in the America to make it even bigger. We start with Japan and hopefully get to fight here eventually. Maybe make a super fight."
With his skillset, mindset, and ambitions, Jonathan Di Bella is not only shaping his own legacy but also paving the way for kickboxing’s future in North America.
