Grigorian Promises ‘War’ Against Legendary Souwer In GP Quarterfinals
Marat Grigorian showed a glimpse of his prodigious talent in his successful ONE Super Series debut, but he believes the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix will bring out his absolute best.
The pound-for-pound great will face kickboxing icon Andy “Souwer Power” Souwer in a quarterfinal matchup at ONE: FIRST STRIKE on Friday, 15 October, and he’s ready to put on a show in the toughest tournament on the planet.
“I’m getting more and more prepared for this fight. It will be a war, for sure,” Grigorian says.
“Training is going very well. Every week, I’m feeling better, stronger, and faster. I can’t wait.”
The #3-ranked featherweight contender is no stranger to the tournament format, and he’s excited to return in a lineup chock-full of the world’s greatest kickboxers.
With his proven track record of success — winning both the K-1 World Grand Prix and the Kunlun Fight World MAX Tournament — Grigorian is considered one of the favorites to go all the way. But while he can’t wait to display his skills, he knows every opponent will present unique challenges.
“I love tournaments. I’m only sad that it’s not on one night because I really love one-night tournaments,” he says.
“But a tournament like this is also good. We can show more things because if you have some injuries, you can let them get better and start again.
“This tournament means a lot. It’s a big tournament with all good fighters. That’s what keeps motivating me.”
One of those fighters is Souwer – a famous figure in the kickboxing world. The 38-year-old Dutchman owns a long list of accolades, and he got back to winning ways with a unanimous decision over “Bamboo Sword” Zhang Chunyu at ONE: BIG BANG last December.
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That victory saw “Souwer Power” showcase his trademark volume and slick combinations, and his return to form has Grigorian even more excited about their quarterfinal matchup.
“Souwer is a good fighter. He has had many, many fights. He’s a legend, and I’m happy to be fighting against him,” the Armenian star says.
“He’s still dangerous, he’s still sharp, and he’s still doing good fights at a high level. He’s a complete fighter that can do everything well.
“I’m just thinking about my first fight. After that, we’ll see who’s next.”
At 30 years old, Grigorian is eight years younger than his rival, and he feels like he owns the edge in athletic attributes that you’d expect from a man in his prime.
“I do everything better, everything harder, everything faster,” he says.
Moreover, the Hemmers Gym representative is riding a five-bout winning streak and has every right to feel sure of himself heading into the opening round of the Grand Prix.
He certainly isn’t underestimating Souwer, but he does plan on blowing the Dutchman out of the water so that he can chase his goal of winning the most coveted prize in the striking world.
“I’m always looking for the fast finish, but it’s a fight, anything can happen,” Grigorian adds.
“I don’t like to think too far ahead, but I’m going to push myself to win this tournament because it means the world to me. I must be focused every second because [everyone in this tournament] is a good fighter, in good shape, and they’re all dangerous. But I’m coming to break them.
“Andy, I hope you are in good shape because I’m coming for you.”
Read more: 5 Reasons We’re Excited For The Featherweight Kickboxing Grand Prix
