ONE Championship held a massive press conference for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Thursday, September 11 at the Shinagawa The Grand Hall in Tokyo, Japan. A contingent of the organization’s biggest stars who are set to compete on the card came out to address the media.
Athletes answered a series of fiery questions and faced off for the first time, while ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong dropped some massive fight announcements.
Headlined by the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title unification bout between reigning king Superbon and interim titleholder Masaaki Noiri, in addition to the highly anticipated rematch between “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane and Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin for the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title, fans are in for a night of unparalleled drama.
As we eagerly anticipate this blockbuster event which will go down live at the iconic Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16, here are the five biggest takeaways from this star-studded press conference.
#1 ONE 173 Is Shaping Up To Be ONE’s Biggest Event Ever
ONE has delivered countless history-making blockbusters throughout the past decade.
From the absolute spectacle of ONE X, to the always high drama of ONE Fight Night and ONE Friday Fights events. But ONE 173 might just eclipse them all as the promotion’s grandest production yet.
Never before has a single event featured such astronomical stakes across every weight class and discipline. With six World Title bouts now confirmed, this card represents the pinnacle of martial arts competition.
The themes of redemption run deep. Malykhin seeks to reclaim the heavyweight MMA throne that slipped from his grasp when he faces off against “Reug Reug.” Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon battles to restore his legacy. Christian “The Warrior” Lee is eager to definitively settle the score against a thorn in his side, while Stamp Fairtex wants to prove she can return to form after a career-threatening injury.
Meanwhile, Japan’s finest warriors carry the hopes of an entire nation. Noiri fights for the undisputed featherweight kickboxing crown on home soil, while Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu defends his flyweight MMA gold against a strawweight invader.
Rising contenders Yuki Yoza and Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto also seek to etch their names in the ONE history books with important bouts.
The convergence of elite talent, World Championship stakes, and compelling narratives has created the perfect storm for what promises to be ONE’s most memorable night ever.
#2 Four Blockbuster Fights Were Announced
The world is still buzzing from the seismic announcements delivered by Chatri that transformed ONE 173 from spectacular to legendary.
The Thai-on-Thai megafight between Rodtang and Nong-O Hama represents the collision of two generational talents, gunning for the ultimate prize – the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai throne.
Lee will run back his rivalry with unbeaten Turkish destroyer Alibeg Rasulov in a highly anticipated rematch for the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title. After their first encounter ended in controversy, both men are eager to settle their unfinished business with 26 pounds of gold on the line.
Nadaka Yoshinari will face Numsurin Chor Ketwina for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship, marking a historic moment as the division crowns its first-ever king. Both fighters have the opportunity to enter their names into the record books forever.
Finally, former ONE World Title challenger Marat Grigorian takes on Japanese sensation Rukiya Anpo in a featherweight kickboxing thriller that could produce fireworks from the opening bell. With Anpo looking to make a statement in front of his home crowd and Grigorian hunting for another signature victory, this bout has all the ingredients for an instant classic.
Moreover, Chatri confirmed that even more massive announcements could emerge in the coming weeks, suggesting ONE 173 isn’t done doling out surprises.
#3 An Atomweight Muay Thai King Will Be Crowned
The men’s atomweight Muay Thai division has delivered some of the most thrilling striking battles in recent memory, and at ONE 173, history will finally be made when the division crowns its inaugural titleholder.
Nadaka enters this World Title fight as the favorite and rightfully so. The Japanese technician has been nothing short of spectacular in his ONE tenure. His ability to control distance and timing while unleashing picture-perfect combinations has made him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division.
Standing opposite of him will be Numsurin, a battle-tested Thai warrior who brings legitimate credentials to this World Championship clash. The Chor Ketwina-trained athlete has carved out his reputation through grueling wars in Thailand’s most prestigious stadiums.
The men’s atomweight Muay Thai division has consistently produced action-packed encounters that leave fans on the edge of their seats. Now, with 26 pounds of inaugural gold on the line, one man will have the opportunity to cement his legacy as the division’s first-ever World Champion.
#4 Anpo Has Arrived, Says He Is ‘The Main Character’
Three-Time K-1 Champion Rukiya Anpo, fighting in front of his home crowd in Tokyo, didn’t hold back when addressing Armenian icon Marat Grigorian.
The Japanese superstar, who will make his ONE debut, stepped onto the stage with supreme confidence, stating:
“I am the main character of the martial arts. You know what, I came to ONE Championship to make this sport exciting, to change the air of the whole atmosphere. I’m the true champion. I promise you I will be the true champion of the ONE Championship featherweights.”
The 29-year-old has rapidly established himself as one of Japan’s most exciting stars, combining devastating power with flashy techniques that have made him a fan favorite. His knockout victories and highlight-reel finishes are emblazoned in Japanese fans’ memories, and a victory over a fighter with the stature of Grigorian would serve as a monumental feather in Anpo’s cap.
Meanwhile, Grigorian brings a resume filled with world-class victories and a World Championship pedigree that few in the division can match. His power punching and technical brilliance have made him one of the most feared strikers in kickboxing, and he’s eager to prove to Japanese fans why he’s the better man.
Never one to back down from a war of words, Grigorian had a scathing reaction to Anpo’s remarks:
“I will hurt him in every way. He [will] remember me. I will break him physically and mentally.”
With both men supremely confident and the stakes sky high, this featherweight kickboxing collision is pure drama.
#5 Takeru Vs. Puric Is Starting To Heat Up
Takeru Segawa, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of his generation, was cool, calm, and collected as usual, exuding a brooding, cold-blooded aura while seated just a few paces away from his upcoming opponent.
But Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric wasn’t as tranquil as the Japanese kickboxing superstar. Instead, the 40-year-old veteran brought fire to the mic and boldly predicted a finish against his esteemed adversary:
“I think the more the fans cheer for him, it’s going to sharpen my focus more to beat him. And I’m definitely going to knock this guy out because I’ve seen some weaknesses in his last few fights. And I’m coming to put the lights out on this guy.”
For Takeru, this is one of the most important fights of his career. The 34-year-old is positioning himself at a potential rematch with Rodtang, and one final run at the elusive ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.
But he has to get past Puric, who won’t let him off easy. Needless to say, the “Natural Born Krusher” has proven time and again that he rises to meet the biggest moments in his career, and we can expect nothing less from Takeru at ONE 173.
AloJapan.com