"I just want to do our best together" - Hiroki Akimoto hopes he and Takeru can get back to winning ways at ONE Friday Fights 81

Hiroki Akimoto and Takeru Segawa head into their ONE Friday Fights 81 fixtures in need of a bounce-back win. And the former hopes that will be the case on Sept. 27.

The ex-kickboxing king welcomes Ilias Ennahachi into the bantamweight rank after losing his past two fights to Wei Rui and Petchtanong Petchfergus. Meanwhile, 'The Natural Born Crusher' aims to pick up momentum in a flyweight kickboxing joust against Thant Zin following his debut loss to Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Despite being in a sticky spot, Akimoto believes he and Takeru will remain fired up to put on a show on the promotion's hotly anticipated card inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday.

The Evolve MMA star shared:

"We're both Japanese, but we're in different weight classes. I just want to do our best together. I'm sure Takeru will have a great fight."

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Hiroki Akimoto could re-enter world title picture with win over Ilias Ennahachi

Hiroki Akimoto may find himself on a losing streak as of late, but his striking dexterity and power will come in handy against Ilias Ennahachi's more speedy approach.

Should he do the necessary to get his hand raised inside the Mecca of Muay Thai, the Japanese fighter could automatically slot himself as a hot contender to challenge divisional king Jonathan Haggerty.

The ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion hasn't defended his gold since bagging it with a highlight-reel finish of Fabricio Andrade last year.

And though top-ranked 'Demon Blade' Wei Rui is a clear favorite to meet Haggerty next, a statement win for the No. 2-ranked Akimoto this Friday might shift momentum in his favor.

ONE Friday Fights 81, headlined by a featherweight Muay Thai showdown between Superbon and 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut, will be available live in Asia primetime via pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.