Kickboxing veterans Marat Grigorian and Rukiya Anpo engaged in a war of words during the ONE 173 Press Conference in Tokyo, Japan, where ONE Championship officially announced their high-stakes featherweight kickboxing clash for Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena. The bout marks Anpo’s promotional debut against the Armenian striking great, with the winner earning a shot at the victor of the main event title unification match between Superbon and Masaaki Noiri for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship.
Marat Grigorian Promises Physical & Mental Domination
The 34-year-old delivered an ominous warning to his Japanese opponent at ONE 173, expressing confidence in his ability to inflict lasting damage in front of Anpo’s home crowd. The Armenian striker, who is a three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion and owns a 68-14 career record, showed no concern about competing in hostile territory.
“I’m glad that this fight [is happening] in Japan because I have a lot of friends, a lot of support in Japan. I will hurt him in every way. He [will] remember me. I will break him physically and mentally. I hope he will fight as he talks,” Marat Grigorian declared with obvious menace.
The Armenian’s championship-level experience and finishing ability make him a dangerous opponent for any newcomer to ONE Championship.
Anpo Fires Back At Marat Grigorian With Weight Cut Jabs & Confidence
The 29-year-old Japanese striker refused to be intimidated, immediately countering with pointed criticism of his rival’s preparation while expressing supreme confidence in his own abilities. Anpo – a three-time K-1 Champion – demonstrated the swagger that has made him a knockout artist throughout his career.
“I think it’s ok that you want to focus all your anger towards me, but I think you should learn how to lose weight more efficiently. And I know that your fighting style is only one style. I think that I’ll be a one-sided winner. Please don’t forget that I am on a very high level,” Anpo responded with obvious disdain.
His comments about weight management pointed to Marat Grigorian’s struggle to make weight for his scheduled bout with Kaito Ono at ONE 172, while his tactical assessment reveals confidence in his ability to exploit perceived weaknesses in the Armenian’s approach.
Anpo’s True Target Revealed: Revenge Against Noiri
Despite the heated exchange, Anpo made clear that his primary motivation for joining ONE Championship involves settling unfinished business with main event participant Noiri. The Japanese striker views his promotional debut as merely the first step toward a bigger goal.
“I don’t think much about Grigorian because there’s only one thing I have to do in ONE Championship. A revenge [fight] against Noiri is something I want to do in ONE,” he stated.
Marat Grigorian seeks redemption against Superbon, while Anpo hungers for revenge against Noiri, creating compelling storylines regardless of the main event outcome.
Marat Grigorian-Anpo Winner To Get Title Shot
The winner of this featherweight kickboxing clash will earn a shot at championship gold, making the verbal warfare merely a prelude to the high-stakes action.
Anpo possesses all the makings of a future ONE World Champion with his K-1 pedigree and knockout power. Marat Grigorian brings world-class experience and proven finishing ability against elite opposition.
The collision of styles and motivations promises fireworks when they settle their differences inside the Circle.
