A significant alteration has been announced for the upcoming ONE Fight Night 48: Erdogan vs. Elliott on Prime Video, as Chinese kickboxing sensation Yi Yuxuan steps in to replace the injured Denis Souza Jr. He will now face the formidable Russian striker Elbrus "The Samurai" Osmanov in a bantamweight kickboxing contest. This highly anticipated bout, promising explosive action, is scheduled for October 2, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. Both fighters bring impressive credentials to the ring, with Osmanov looking to cement his global presence and Yi Yuxuan aiming for a impactful debut.
Kickboxing Showdown: Yi Yuxuan Replaces Injured Denis Souza Jr. at ONE Fight Night 48 to Face Elbrus Osmanov
In a last-minute development for the highly anticipated ONE Fight Night 48, scheduled for Friday, October 2, at Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium, Chinese kickboxing prodigy Yi Yuxuan has been confirmed as the replacement for the injured Denis "Denizinho" Souza Jr. Yi Yuxuan will now step into the bantamweight kickboxing clash against the explosive Russian, Elbrus "The Samurai" Osmanov. This dramatic change promises an even more thrilling encounter as two exceptionally talented strikers prepare to battle under the bright lights of U.S. primetime.
Elbrus Osmanov, a 25-year-old fighter representing Venum Training Camp and Akhmat Kickboxing, boasts an impressive 15-1 professional striking record. His journey in ONE Championship has been marked by a dominant streak, including six consecutive kickboxing victories at ONE Friday Fights. After a rare setback against Japanese veteran Yuki Yoza in May 2025, Osmanov demonstrated his versatility by transitioning to Muay Thai, where he secured three consecutive wins against world-class Thai opponents. His most recent triumph, a first-round knockout over "Left Meteorite" Ratchasiesan Laochokcharoen (formerly Kulabdam), earned him a life-changing US$100,000 contract and a coveted spot on ONE Championship's global roster. For Osmanov, this fight against Yi Yuxuan is a crucial opportunity to make a resounding statement in his U.S. primetime debut, despite the change in opponent.
Stepping in on short notice, Yi Yuxuan is far from an easy assignment. The 25-year-old Chinese kickboxer brings an astonishing record of 56-5-1 to the cage, solidifying his reputation as one of Asia's most decorated young strikers. His extensive trophy cabinet includes the 2023 WLF 65-Kilogram Tournament Championship, the 2024 WLF 67-Kilogram Tournament Championship, and the prestigious 2026 ISKA 67-Kilogram Title, alongside numerous other accolades. Yi has defeated a who's who of Chinese kickboxing, including Zhou Jiaqiang, two-time National Kickboxing Champion Wang Penghui, and reigning WLF Champion Er Kang. His presence in this fight signals not just a last-minute fill-in, but a serious contender ready to leave his mark on the global stage. A victory over Osmanov would instantly propel him into the elite ranks of the bantamweight kickboxing division.
The unexpected shift in opponents for Elbrus Osmanov underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional combat sports. While the initial matchup promised fireworks, the entry of Yi Yuxuan has only heightened anticipation. This fight now represents a unique challenge for Osmanov, forcing him to adapt to a completely different style of opponent. For Yi Yuxuan, it's an unparalleled chance to announce his arrival to a global audience with a victory over a highly regarded fighter. Regardless of the changes, ONE Fight Night 48 is set to deliver an electrifying night of martial arts action, with both fighters poised to deliver an unforgettable performance and potentially reshape the bantamweight kickboxing landscape.
