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Andrew Whitelaw

Takeru Segawa said he joined ONE Championship for the sole purpose of facing Rodtang Jitmuangnon, his opponent at ONE 172.
After years of anticipation, the Japanese kickboxing star will get his wish when he meets the Thailand icon in the main event at the Saitama Super Arena on Sunday in his homeland.
The super-fight has captured the imagination of combat sports fans worldwide. Takeru said he believes both men are at the peak of their condition and he is ready to deliver.
“I’m very pumped and very hyped up,” Takeru told the Post. “We have both been preparing for a long time. Rodtang had a great win in his last fight.
I believe he is in great condition. It will be a great fight.”

For Tarkeru, this is more than just another fight: it is the defining moment of his career.
The pair have already met multiple times in the build-up to the fight, adding to the anticipation of this potential classic.
“We have faced off quite a few times now. I cannot wait to finally fight him,” Takeru said. “Beating Rodtang is not about revenge for the loss to Tenshin (Nesukawa), but it is something I must accomplish in my career. It will mean I have achieved everything.”
Takeru said this is a fight that will appeal to fans at all levels.
“Even if you don’t know combat sports, you will enjoy this fight,” he said. “It’s Rodtang v Takeru – it’s obvious it’s going to be fun.
“But for the hardcore fans, they will see all the small details and techniques we bring.”
Takeru also said he is proud to headline such a historic event in his homeland.
“It is an honour to be in the main event,” he said. “This card is too gorgeous.
“It has the best Japanese fighters, but also some of the best strikers from around the world. This is the highest level of striking in years.”
Despite many highs and lows throughout his career, the 33-year-old always believed the showdown with Rodtang would come.
“I don’t always have a perfect mentality,” Takeru said. “But I always have a clear goal: beating Rodtang.
“That goal has kept me focused and mentally strong for around three years, since March 2022.”


ONE Championship: Takeru ready for career-defining showdown with Rodtang at ONE 172

ONE Championship: Anane determined to avenge devastating Superlek defeat at ONE 172

ONE Championship: flamboyant Lyndon Knowles to challenge Roman Kryklia for heavyweight title

ONE 172: Tawanchai P.K. Saenchai back to his best in time to face Masaki Noiri in Tokyo

ONE Championship

Takeru Segawa (right) joined ONE Championship for the sole purpose of facing Rodtang Jitmuangnon (left). Photo: ONE Championship

Takeru Segawa (right) will face Rodtang Jitmuangnon (left) in the ONE 172 main event. Photo: ONE Championship

Nabil Anane holds the bantamweight Muay Thai title after his win over Nico Carrillo at ONE 170. Photo: ONE Championship

Nabil Anane (right) will face Superlek Kiatmoo9 (left) for a second time at ONE 172. Photo: ONE Championship

Lyndon Knowles has held the WBC Muay Thai heavyweight belt twice, but says he is now ready to relinquish it for a ONE Championship title. Photo: Handout

Lyndon Knowles, 38, is just two fights away from reaching 100 professional bouts. Photo: Handout

From left, coach Christian Knowles with Jonathan Haggerty and Lyndon Knowles. Photo: Handout

Sport

Martial Arts

Takeru Segawa said he joined ONE Championship for the sole purpose of facing Rodtang Jitmuangnon


Takeru Segawa said he joined ONE Championship for the sole purpose of facing Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
