Japanese martial artist Keito Yamakita is preparing for a career-defining moment as he approaches his upcoming ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship bout.
The 30-year-old fighter is scheduled to challenge reigning champion Joshua Pacio at ONE SAMURAI 5 on Wednesday, November 18, at the EBARA WAVE Arena Ota in Tokyo, according to Yahoo Sports.
This high-stakes athletic event is occurring simultaneously with a major personal milestone for Yamakita, whose wife is expected to give birth to their first child the very next day.
Yamakita, who currently holds an impressive 6-1 promotional record, expressed his mixed emotions regarding the convergence of these two life-altering events.
The expectant father noted that he felt a sense of relief and excitement as the birth date approached, as reported by ONE Championship.
The athlete, known as the Pocket Monk, previously competed as a Pancrase champion in Japan but noted that his motivation has evolved significantly with the prospect of fatherhood.
He told the outlets that while he once chased titles primarily for himself, he now feels a deeper drive to succeed for his son, citing his official athlete profile.
Yamakita believes this added responsibility allows him to perform at a higher level than he has in past professional appearances.
He explained that he feels capable of giving one hundred and twenty percent effort because his child is now in the picture, per the Yahoo Sports report.
The fighter hopes that winning the championship belt will provide a foundational story for his son to hear as he grows older.
He aims to be recognized as the world’s strongest dad, emphasizing that he cannot afford to lose this particular contest, according to event coverage.
Regardless of the outcome, Yamakita looks forward to the day his son can watch him compete inside the ring.
For now, his immediate focus remains on the upcoming title fight against Pacio in Tokyo.