[3][4] As of June 2022, he is ranked as the second-best featherweight kickboxer in the world by Combat Press.
To get the most of his talents, Akimoto moved from Japan to Singapore to train at Evolve MMA and pursue a world title in ONE Championship.
[13] Akimoto lost the bout by majority decision, suffering the first loss of his professional career.
[17] Due to the close decision, the pair were immediately booked for a rematch at ONE Championship: Fists Of Fury on February 26, 2021.
[19] Akimoto faced former Wu Lin Feng kickboxing champion Qiu Jianliang at ONE: Winter Warriors on December 3, 2021.
[23][24] Akimoto was given the $50,000 Performance of the Night award as well,[25] and was named the March 2022 "Fighter of the Month" by eFight.
[26] Akimoto made his first ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World title defense against #4 ranked contender Petchtanong Petchfergus at ONE 163 on November 18, 2022.