What happened: Undefeated Japanese bantamweight Taiga Orii earned a US$100,000 contract with ONE Championship on Friday following a first-round TKO victory over Julian Mayorga. The 'Black Samurai' stopped Mayorga at 1:37 of the opening round at ONE Friday Fights 157, prompting CEO Chatri Sityodtong to award the high-stakes promotion to the global roster.
Why it matters: The win marks a successful transition for Orii from the regional circuit to the global stage, solidifying his status as a top Japanese prospect. By securing the six-figure contract, Orii moves from the Friday Fights developmental series to the main ONE Championship roster, providing him with a platform to challenge the elite of the bantamweight division.
By the numbers: Taiga Orii improves to 5-0-0 professionally with a 100% finish rate (3 TKO, 2 Submission). All five of his career victories have occurred within the first two rounds, including three finishes in the first half of 2026 alone. Mayorga falls to his first defeat within the promotion as Orii clinches his second consecutive TKO win at Lumpinee Stadium.
What to watch: Orii will now transition to ONE's global events, with a potential main-roster debut expected later this year. Fans will watch to see if his finishing streak continues against veteran bantamweight competition.