“I have the reach advantage” - Japanese star Katsuki Kitano plans to decimate Liam Harrison from a safe distance

Japanese standout Katsuki Kitano plans to make the most of his reach advantage when he welcomes British striker Liam Harrison back to the Circle on Friday, June 7.

Emanating from Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, fans will be treated to the long-awaited return of Liam Harrison nearly two after suffering a devastating injury during his ONE world title fight with former champion Nong-O Hama. Ready to make one more run before laying down his gloves for good, Harrison will meet Kitano in one of many can't-miss matchups at ONE 167.

Before making just his second walk to the Circle for a scrap with one of the promotion's most beloved fighters, Katsuki Kitano spoke about one major advantage he holds over the 'Hitman' and how he plans to use it en route to a victory.

“His weakness is that I have the reach advantage over him," Kitano said in an interview with ONE Championship. "But still, I don’t think he has any openings. I’m training hard to make sure I win.”

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Liam Harrison confident his knee will hold up against Katsuki Kitano

Thus far, Katsuki Kitano has 25 victories to his credit, including a unanimous decision win against Halil Kutukcu in his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 38.

As for Liam Harrison, it will be his first time competing since August 2021. Despite the long layoff, the 'Hitman' has looked nothing short of sharp in his training footage on social media and recently revealed that he is feeling better than ever after undergoing extensive knee surgery and lengthy rehab.

"Yeah, it's back to normal again, I'm fine," Harrison told SCMP MMA. "I've done the rehab. I've done all the surgery. So yeah, I'm feeling confident with my knee again. I've been rebuilding it, it's been fine."

ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 167 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime on Friday, June 7.