5 Huge Takeaways From ONE 172: Takeru Vs. Rodtang
Saitama Super Arena was treated to one of the most spectacular martial arts events in recent history when ONE Championship rolled into Japan for ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on Sunday, March 23.
Four World Title matchups, a super-fight for the ages, and star athletes lining the card from top to bottom delivered incredible action from the opening bell until the final knockout blow.
After a dramatic and momentous lineup of fights, let’s review the biggest takeaways from ONE 172.
A Motivated Rodtang Could Truly Be Unbeatable
Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s epic performance at ONE 172 was more than just a return of “The Iron Man.” It was a statement that he is back in absolute peak form, earning his first stoppage win since downing Edgar Tabares at ONE 168 in 2023.
Rodtang needed just 80 seconds to do what nobody had ever done before – brutally knock out Japanese icon Takeru Segawa in their flyweight kickboxing super-fight.
After a rigorous training camp and his new partnership with a renowned nutritionist, the Thai superstar looked to be in the best shape of his career. He was smiling at the start of the fight, almost as if he knew the destruction was only moments away.
Ultimately, the 27-year-old showed what he can accomplish when motivated to perform at his very best. With an impending trilogy bout against Jonathan Haggerty on the docket for later in 2025, fans could be in for one of the most special years of Rodtang’s career.
Noiri Silences Critics With TKO Of Tawanchai
Following a lackluster start to his ONE tenure, Japanese sensation Masaaki Noiri entered his ONE 172 matchup with Tawanchai PK Saenchai as a decided underdog. In less than eight minutes of work, he silenced any doubters and became the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion.
There was nothing lucky about the upset. The talented 31-year-old solved one of the toughest puzzles in striking with a third-round TKO finish.
Tawanchai had entered riding a nine-match winning streak, including a recent Knockout of the Year candidate at ONE 170 when he destroyed Superbon to defend the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title.
And while the Thai came out strong against Noiri, the latter’s wealth of experience allowed him to identify gaps. After downloading the information he needed, Noiri expertly took advantage of an opening to land the decisive strikes.
With the absolutely stunning victory, Noiri proved he has fully acclimated to the global stage of ONE Championship – all while lining up a marquee World Title unification match with Superbon.
Wakamatsu Finally Realizes His Dream
Yuya Wakamatsu failed at his chance to claim the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship from Adriano Moraes in 2022. Three years later, he made good on his shot at redemption.
Leading up to this rematch, “Little Piranha” admitted he was not ready mentally for the first World Title shot. But that learning experience allowed him to revitalize his overall game and become a stronger martial artist.
With his new mindset and skills, Wakamatsu shut down and battered Moraes at ONE 172 to claim the vacant crown in under four minutes of action. The longtime Japanese star not only proved himself to the world, but he also did so in front of friends and family at Saitama Super Arena.
There is no doubt about “Little Piranha’s” status in the division right now, and he will invite all challengers to enter the treacherous waters for his next feeding frenzy.
Young World Champions Are On The Rise
Who says you must be in your athletic prime to achieve greatness? Young strikers Nabil Anane and “The Queen” Phetjeeja are certainly bucking that trend.
At just 20 years old, ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Anane is showing the maturity of a seasoned vet. Over three impressive rounds, he dominated pound-for-pound great Superlek Kiatmoo9 in their bantamweight Muay Thai rematch, showing that his evolution has hit another level.
Phetjeeja’s incredible run continued with a masterclass of in-ring adjustments to defend the ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Championship against Kana Morimoto. Each time Kana looked to gain an advantage, the 23-year-old titleholder stayed one step ahead and fired off a cracking left hook.
These World Champions are operating at a level that suggests they may have unlocked a time machine to gain knowledge well beyond their years.
Japan’s Future Of Martial Arts Has Arrived
The Japanese athletes competing at ONE 172 went a collective 6-2 before Noiri’s and Wakamatsu’s exceptional World Championship victories, proving the country’s martial arts resurgence is in full effect.
Japanese luminaries Hiroki Akimoto and Shinya Aoki notched wins over John Lineker and Eduard Folayang, respectively, but it was the next generation who truly shined.
“Notorious Tyrant” Ryusei moved his professional record to 19-1 with a unanimous decision win over Thai striker Suriyanlek Por Yenying in their kickboxing matchup. Hyu kept his 11-0 record perfect with a blistering first-round KO against Zakaria El Jamari in their flyweight kickboxing duel.
But perhaps most impressive was Nadaka Yoshinari, who flattened Rak Erawan in their atomweight Muay Thai contest, bringing his professional mark to 62-6.
In total, Japan went 8-3 on the night, with most of their wins showcasing the next wave of elite talent. The sun continues to rise in the east – perhaps brighter than ever before.
