Marat Grigorian secured a crucial unanimous decision victory over former K-1 Champion Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo in their featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The 34-year-old Armenian striker punished the local hero over the course of three rounds to improve his record to 69-14 and keep his ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title aspirations alive.
Grigorian, a three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion, delivered textbook execution in hostile territory, breaking down Anpo’s rhythm with non-stop pressure and hard shots to the legs, body, and head. It was the type of flawless performance that has defined his illustrious career.
Grigorian Shows Respect For Japanese Warrior Spirit
The intense rivalry that heated up for months didn’t prevent Grigorian from acknowledging his opponent’s resilience in defeat. The Armenian veteran praised Anpo’s durability and warrior spirit, noting how the 30-year-old continued marching forward despite enduring significant damage throughout their three-round war.
Grigorian has built his reputation on devastating power that breaks opponents both physically and mentally. In fact, his arsenal of hooks, uppercuts, and overhands has left countless adversaries unable to continue. Yet Anpo demonstrated exceptional toughness by weathering the storm and maintaining his aggression from start to finish, earning admiration from the pound-for-pound great.
“His toughness definitely has my respect. Even though he came in heavier, he showed heart. Japanese athletes are known for that, and he proved it. He took some hard shots and kept trying. Respect to him,” the Armenian said.
Perfectionist Mentality Drives Armenian Star
Securing a convincing unanimous decision victory on Japanese soil would satisfy most competitors, but Grigorian’s relentless pursuit of excellence leaves little room for complacency. The Armenian was glad to leave Ariake Arena with the win, a pathway to the featherweight crown, and bragging rights over his rival. However, he sees opportunities for continued growth.
“I was satisfied with my performance, but I always feel there’s room to improve. I’m a perfectionist. Even in a strong performance like this, I see details I can sharpen,” he said.
Grigorian went deeper into the technical refinements he envisions implementing, showcasing the elite-level thinking that has carried him through a career decorated with World Championships. His unwavering dedication to evolving his craft remains a defining characteristic of his fighting philosophy.
“I can always be sharper, add more volume in certain moments, tighten my combinations, and maybe push forward more when the openings are there,” the Armenian said.
A World Title Fight With Superbon Could Await At ONE 175
Following Superbon’s unification of the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship in the main event of ONE 173, Grigorian’s championship ambitions have found their target. The Armenian immediately set his sights on the Thai icon for a fourth meeting, expressing strong interest in competing at ONE 175, recently announced for Ariake Arena on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
“I’d love to be part of that card. Superbon is the fight I want. Doing it in Tokyo would be perfect — big names, big energy. I’m ready whenever. April 28 would be perfect,” Grigorian said. “Fighting in Japan is always special. I felt that same electricity again at ONE 173. It was just as exciting as I always remembered it to be.”
The anticipated title fight brings considerable backstory, as the two striking legends have clashed twice under the ONE Championship banner with Superbon earning unanimous decision victories in both encounters. Their rivalry extends beyond ONE, however, as Grigorian scored a spectacular 29-second knockout over the Thai superstar in their 2018 meeting outside the promotion, creating a fascinating narrative for their potential fourth chapter and adding intrigue to what promises to be another elite-level striking showcase.
