ONE Championship is set for history in their return to Japan. ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang is stacked with star power and title tilts on Sunday, March 23. The card is so deep, it may be easy to miss some things.
That is why we scoured the card with a fine-toothed comb. There is so much to enjoy about this phenomenal card, but there are certainly some things that jump off the page. Here are three matches you will want to lock in for in addition to the flyweight super-fight that headlines the night from the Saitama Super Arena.
Phetjeeja vs. Kana at ONE 172
With the main event super-fight and other title fights lining the card, an atomweight war is being overlooked. “The Queen” Phetjeeja returns to action to defend her ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title against Kana Morimoto. Rip-roaring action is virtually guaranteed.
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Phetjeeja mowed through the Muay Thai ranks before accepting a title shot against pound-for-pound great Anissa Meksen in kickboxing. The bigger gloves were no problem as she dominated the French-Algerian before unifying the ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Championship with Janet Todd a little over two months later. After a year away, what version will we see inside the ring?
“Krusher Queen” is a former K-1 World Champion with years more kickboxing experience than her Thai counterpart. After getting back in the win column in January against Moa Carlsson, Kana gets to compete at home once again. The stylistic matchup between the two is sensational and both women are going to put on a show.
John Lineker vs. Hiroki Akimoto
John Lineker shook up the Muay Thai world with several impressive showings that brought him to the brink of contention. Now, he gets a former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion to test his kickboxing chops. Does he have what it takes, or will Hiroki Akimoto assert his dominance?
Akimoto may be more dangerous than ever because his back is against the wall. He has been winless since 2022, with three straight losses on the global stage. If Lineker upsets the former king, where does that leave him?
Meanwhile, Lineker is a ferocious striker with no fear. The bigger gloves will be no problem and fans can expect his trademark style to be in full force. With no expectations, Lineker has free will to turn this matchup into an unexpected war that could steal the show.
Adrian Lee vs. Takeharu Ogawa
A battle of unbeatens will be worth your while as lightweight warriors Adrian Lee and Takeharu Ogawa square off at ONE 172. The teen star is looking to keep rolling and keep his family tradition unblemished. However, Ogawa gets a golden opportunity to instantly make an impact in ONE.
Ogawa will make his organizational debut, but a 3-0 record with all three wins coming by way of stoppage shows he may have what it takes to handle a young gun. With Lee’s name recognition, a win would catapult his status in the division. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Lee, on the other hand, has the weight of expectations on his shoulders. Competing against another unbeaten man many years his elder, it’s another test of his mental preparation. It is an intriguing matchup that will tell us a lot about both men.
ONE 172 airs live on Sunday, March 23, at 3 a.m. ET/midnight PT. The action hails from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. The event is available to purchase on global pay-per-view via watch.onefc.com. MMASucka will have all of your ONE 172 needs right here.
