3 Fights That Could Steal The Show At ONE 172: Takeru Vs. Rodtang
With an incredible five ONE World Title bouts scheduled and an epic kickboxing super-fight to cap the night off in the main event, ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang marks one of the biggest, most star-studded events in the history of ONE Championship.
That talent-stacked card goes down on March 23 at Saitama Super Arena, and beyond the must-watch fights at the top of the billing, the supporting cast is just as loaded with compelling matchups, each designed to produce fireworks.
With ONE 172 rapidly approaching, we now dive into three bouts that could steal the show in Japan.
#1 Akimoto Vs. Lineker
Former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John “Hands of Stone” Lineker delivered non-stop thrills over the course of his unforgettable three-fight run in the sport of Muay Thai, and he’ll now take his all-action style of combat to the larger gloves of kickboxing – and he’ll be facing his stiffest striking test yet.
Standing across from the hard-hitting Brazilian will be former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion and current #4-ranked contender Hiroki Akimoto.
Stylistically, the clash is guaranteed to be an all-out war. Akimoto’s speedy combinations, crafty footwork, and endless gas tank should prove to be a perfect match for Lineker’s relentless pressure and ruthless boxing, setting the stage for an instant classic.
#2 Kaito Vs. Grigorian
In featherweight kickboxing action, decorated Japanese striker Kaito Ono will make his hotly anticipated ONE debut against legendary Armenian knockout artist Marat Grigorian.
Kaito has spent the past decade largely dominating the ultra-tough Japanese kickboxing circuit and boasts wins over several established names, including upcoming ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title challenger Masaaki Noiri.
The 27-year-old phenom is surely motivated to defend home turf in front of a partisan Japanese crowd, but Grigorian represents perhaps the most dangerous adversary of the young fighter’s career. A former Glory Kickboxing World Champion who is no stranger to the global stage, the Armenian possesses some of the most terrifying one-punch power the sport has ever seen.
Given each man’s mountain of elite experience and world-class skills, fans should buckle up for a firefight in this one.
#3 Nadaka Vs. Rak
Japan’s Nadaka Yoshinari has already cemented himself as his country’s best Muay Thai fighter, and he hopes to elevate his star power to new heights when he squares off with accomplished Thai scrapper Rak Erawan in an atomweight contest.
Still just 24 years old, Nadaka has collected practically every major Muay Thai accolade outside of ONE, including both Rajadamnern and Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Titles. The young prodigy will now pursue global glory in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
On the other hand, Rak has the skills, experience, and physical gifts to put an end to Nadaka’s hype train. A former Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, the Thai is a veteran of eight fights in ONE, each of which delivered white-knuckle action from start to finish.
Simply put, fans won’t want to miss this showdown between two of Muay Thai’s most exciting young athletes.
