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Finding Purpose Through Pain: American MMA Fighter Gilbert Nakatani's Journey From Loss to the Global Stage

Two mixed martial artists grapple in a ring. One is on top throwing punches. "ONE" is visible on the ropes. Intense, dynamic action.

Two "Black Belt Magazine" covers featured; one with a woman in a hat, the other with a man in a red gi. Spring '25 issue promotion.

Some people spend their entire lives searching for purpose. Gilbert Nakatani found his in the most unlikely place – a martial arts gym in California, discovered during a period when his life could have spiralled in a very different direction. 


At ONE Fight Night 37 on Friday, November 7, the American flyweight will face Indonesian MMA star Eko Roni Saputra in Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, carrying with him a story of loss, redemption, and the unbreakable human spirit that refuses to let tragedy define destiny.

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