B-Sides: ONE 172

In which Takeru takes priority over everyone.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23 FROM SAITAMA SUPER ARENA, JAPAN
PRELIMS: 2:00 AM EST
BROADCAST: (Check regional broadcasting)

The mad lads at ONE are back with another event wherein their top billing is a non-title fight supported by five actual title fights. Were this any other MMA organization, people would be rightly shocked, confused, and somewhat angry at the disrespect shown to the divisional champions. However, as this is a ONE card, this is not really out of the ordinary. I mean, ONE paid top dollar to sign Japanese kickboxing phenom Takeru Segawa and by god they’re going to put him at top billing to reap in that sweet sweet kickboxing moola.

Jokes aside, ONE 172 is, at least on paper, a pretty thickly laid out card. The main event is a pairing of kickboxers who are simply unrivaled except by each other, then your mid section of the main card is all title bouts, with Shinya Aoki contributing by being a curtain jerker. Part of me has some excitement for this card. Part of me also knows that excitement will only result in disappointment by how ONE provide the cards on their broadcast being, simply put, ass.

Let’s just dive in and look at this thing.

A quick note to keep in mind: fight records used below display the fighter’s record in that specific division. For example, if a 14-0 MMA fighter does their first Muay Thai fight, they will appear as 0-0.

Flyweight (135 lbs) Kickboxing: Takeru Segawa (42-3-2D-2NC) vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon (4-1)

This clash between Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon is a dream matchup. Takeru, a three-division K-1 world champion, is widely regarded as one of the most explosive and dynamic kickboxers of his era, not just in Japan. His relentless forward pressure, devastating combinations, and powerful kicks have made him a legend in the sport. Now stepping into ONE Championship, he looks to make a statement against one of the promotion’s biggest stars.

Rodtang, the reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, is also known for his own brand of aggressive, iron-chinned approach. With an extensive Muay Thai background, Rodtang has shown he can take enormous punishment while delivering brutal blows of his own. His ability to walk through strikes and counter with vicious hooks and elbows makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division.

Takeru’s advantage lies in his technical kickboxing arsenal, speed, and movement. His ability to throw seamless combinations and maintain a high output will test Rodtang’s durability. On the other hand, Rodtang’s pressure-fighting style and ability to absorb damage make him an incredibly dangerous opponent, particularly if he can drag the fight into close-range exchanges. The key factor in this matchup will be whether Takeru can avoid being drawn into a brawl and stick to his superior footwork and precision striking.

Interim ONE Featherweight (155 lbs) Kickboxing World Championship: Tawanchai PKSaenchai (13-0) vs. Masaaki Noiri (46-8-1NC)

Reigning Muay Thai champion Tawanchai continues his foray into kickboxing against Japan’s top striker, Masaaki Noiri. Tawanchai’s technical precision, elite timing, and devastating left kick have made him one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. Meanwhile, Noiri, a highly accomplished K-1 fighter, brings a well-rounded striking game, mixing his boxing and kicking attacks seamlessly.

Noiri’s boxing-heavy style may give him an edge in the pocket, but Tawanchai’s ability to control range and utilize his kicks could prove decisive. If Tawanchai establishes his rhythm early, it could be a long night for Noiri.

ONE Bantamweight (145 lbs) Muay Thai World Championship: Superlek Kiatmuu9(c) (13-0) vs. Nabil Anane(ic) (7-1)

Current champion Superlek is, easily, one of the most technically gifted Muay Thai fighters in the world. With elite-level kicks and sharp counter-striking, he poses a significant challenge for any opponent. He has stood toe-to-toe with numerous would-be champions only to shut them out and make it look easy while doing so. However, Nabil Anane was also expected to lose at ONE 170 when he faced off with Nico Carrillo. Only the thing is, Nabil didn’t let the vast experience his opponent had squander his claim to being a champion and dropped Carrillo en route to a dream match with one of Muay Thai’s greats. Let this sink in a little bit, the kid isn’t even allowed to drink legally in the USA and is already a champion. Now, arguably it is ONE and ONE aren’t really as prestigious as say, the UFC or PFL, but that’s still quite an achievement.

Nabil’s height and reach advantage could be real trouble Superlek, especially if he can maintain distance. For comparison, Anane is 6’2” and Superlek is around 5’7”. However, Superlek’s fight IQ and ability to close the gap effectively make him a slight favorite in this matchup.

Vacant ONE Flyweight (135 lbs) MMA World Championship: Adriano Moraes (21-5) vs. Yuya Wakamatsu (18-6)

Adriano "Mikinho" Moraes is back in the title picture after former rival Demetrius Johnson vacated the belt upon his retirement from MMA. Moraes is no stranger to the title picture given he has held the ONE Flyweight World Title multiple times, solidifying his status as one of the division's most dominant figures. Moraes' career is highlighted by notable victories, including a third-round submission win over Wakamatsu in their first encounter in March 2022. Following the retirement of Demetrious Johnson in September 2024, which left the flyweight title vacant, Moraes earned his spot in this championship bout through consistent performances and his championship pedigree.

Meanwhile “Little Piranha”, which is a genuinely great nickname, Yuya Wakamatsu has been recognized for his striking abilities and knockout power. Since his initial loss to Moraes, Wakamatsu has demonstrated significant growth, securing three consecutive victories to position himself as the #2-ranked contender in the flyweight division. He attributes his recent success to an improved mindset, acknowledging past immaturity and emphasizing his mental development ahead of this rematch

This rematch presents a classic clash of styles: Moraes' grappling versus Wakamatsu's striking. Moraes aims to leverage his submission skills to reclaim the title, while Wakamatsu seeks redemption by utilizing his evolved mindset and striking prowess. The outcome may hinge on Wakamatsu's ability to maintain distance and defend against takedowns, countered by Moraes' efforts to neutralize the striking threat through ground control. Fans can anticipate a strategic and high-stakes encounter as both athletes vie for the flyweight crown.

Interim ONE Strawweight (125 lbs) Kickboxing World Championship: Jonathan Di Bella (5-1) vs. Sam-A Gaiyanghadao (2-0)

Italian-Canadian striker Jonathan Di Bella has rapidly ascended in the kickboxing world, earning recognition for his lightning-fast speed and technical prowess. As a former ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion, Di Bella has showcased his ability to outmaneuver and outstrike opponents with precision. His journey to this matchup is fueled by a desire to reclaim his title and solidify his status among the elite in the division.

Opposite Di Bella stands Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, a seasoned -0Thai fighter with an illustrious career spanning Muay Thai and kickboxing. At 41, Sam-A has held multiple world titles across different organizations, including ONE Championship, where he previously secured both Muay Thai and kickboxing belts. Known for his powerful left strikes and strategic fight IQ, Sam-A aims to further cement his legacy by capturing the interim title in this bout.

This matchup essentially boils down to seasoned power versus youthful speed. Di Bella's agility and technical approach will be tested against Sam-A's experience and striking potency. The bout's outcome may hinge on Di Bella's ability to maintain distance and avoid Sam-A's powerful left strikes, while Sam-A will look to leverage his experience to neutralize Di Bella's speed. Fans can anticipate a high-level, strategic encounter with both fighters aiming to assert their dominance in the strawweight division.

ONE Women’s Atomweight (115 lbs) Kickboxing World Championship: Petchjeeja (c) (2-0) vs. Kana Morimoto (23-5)

“The Queen” Petchjeeja boasts arguably one of the best runs in ONE for any female fighter. A flawless 6-0 record across multiple sport divisions, her journey to the top has been marked by decisive victories, including a notable win over the legendary Anissa Meksen to claim the ONE Interim Atomweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE Friday Fights 46. She later unified the title by defeating Janet Todd at ONE Fight Night 20, solidifying her status as the undisputed champion.

Kana "Krusher Queen" Morimoto is a former K-1 Champion and one of Japan's premier female strikers. She recently transitioned to ONE Championship, aiming to capture the atomweight belt. Given she is a recent signing to ONE, it marks a big change not only in her career, but for the division itself too. Known for her knockout power and aggressive style, Kana has quickly positioned herself as a formidable contender in the atomweight division.

Petchjeeja's versatility and endurance will be tested against Kana's knockout power and experience. The outcome may hinge on whether Kana can capitalize on her striking power early or if Petchjeeja can leverage her cardio and adaptability to outlast and outmaneuver her challenger.

Featherweight (155 lbs) MMA: Marat Grigorian (1-0) vs. Kaito Ono (12-2)

Marat Grigorian, an Armenian-Belgian kickboxer, is renowned for his aggressive style and formidable power. A three-time GLORY Kickboxing champion, Grigorian has consistently showcased his elite striking abilities on the global stage. Since joining ONE Championship in December 2020, he has amassed a notable record, including a recent second-round knockout victory over Abdelali Zahidi in December 2024. Grigorian's career trajectory has reflected his relentless pursuit of excellence and his status as a top contender in the featherweight division.

Japanese kickboxer Kaito Ono brings a rich background in karate and over a decade of elite competition experience. A former champion in both RISE and Shootboxing organizations, Ono is recognized for his technical proficiency and tactical approach. This bout against Grigorian marks his debut in ONE Championship, providing him with an opportunity to establish himself on a larger platform and test his skills against a seasoned opponent.

Grigorian's pressure and power will challenge Ono's speed and technical prowess. Grigorian has acknowledged Ono's speed and tactical approach, noting his use of distance, calf kicks, and knees, while also expressing confidence in his own power and strategy. Conversely, Ono's debut in ONE Championship against a high-caliber opponent like Grigorian offers him a platform to showcase his skills and resilience. Fans can anticipate a dynamic and strategic encounter, with both fighters aiming to assert their dominance in the featherweight division.

Lightweight (170 lbs) MMA: Shinya Aoki (48-11) vs. Eduard Folayang (23-12)

At 41 years-old, Shinya Aoki is a mainstay for Japanese MMA. Renowned for his exceptional grappling and submission skills, Aoki rightly carries the nickname "Tobikan Judan" or "The Grand Master of Flying Submissions." Throughout his career, Aoki has competed in various organizations, including Pride, Dream, and ONE Championship. He first captured the ONE Lightweight World Championship in 2013. After losing the title to Folayang in 2016, Aoki reclaimed it in their 2019 rematch. His recent performances have showcased his enduring prowess, with notable victories that affirm his status as a top lightweight contender.

Eduard "Landslide" Folayang, also 41, is a Filipino martial artist known for his striking abilities and resilience. A former wushu practitioner, Folayang transitioned to MMA and became a prominent figure in ONE Championship. He first won the ONE Lightweight World Championship in 2016 by defeating Aoki but lost the title in 2017. Folayang regained the championship in 2018, only to lose it again to Aoki in their 2019 encounter. After facing a series of challenges, including a five-fight losing streak, Folayang rebounded with a knockout victory over Amir Khan in September 2023, demonstrating his enduring competitiveness.

While this is the fourth meeting between the two in a very lopsided series, this is more than a fight; it's a legacy-defining moment for both athletes. Aoki aims to re-solidify his status as the “hero” of Japan’s MMA scene, while Folayang seeks to hopefully even the score.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this card is pretty stacked. Especially given it’s a ONE card being held outside of South East Asia. With so many title fights, big names, and career arcs that are intriguing it is shaping up to be a great card. The showdown between Takeru and Rodtang is easily going to be the biggest highlight and focus of the event, but for me I’m really hoping that Nabil Anane can take the W and become not only ONE’s youngest champion but the youngest combat sports champion in any of the major promotions. Just ignore the fact its not MMA. Because why would ONE have a strong MMA scene?

Also be ready for a really long show. This preview didn’t even come close to covering all the fights on the card. Hell, I forgot John Lineker was on the card until just now.