ONE Championship returns to Japan on Sunday, March 23, at the Saitama Super Arena. The organization will make its way back for ONE 172, which promises to be a massive night in Japan. At the press conference to announce the event, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed two monster matches.
Takeru to Face Rodtang at ONE 172 This March
After years of anticipation, Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon will finally step into the ring against each other in the evening’s main event. The five-round flyweight super-fight will pit the two legendary strikers against each other. The match was supposed to occur earlier in 2024, but “The Iron Man” suffered an injury forcing him out of action.
Rodtang returned, however, for two bouts in 2024. The Thai star won decisions over Denis Puric and Jacob Smith to keep pace and stand out as a fan favorite. Healthy and in form, Rodtang is ready to meet Japan’s kickboxing superstar in hostile territory.
IT'S OFFICIAL 🏆 Takeru and Rodtang's flyweight kickboxing super-fight is your five-round main event in Tokyo on March 23 at ONE 172! Are you backing "The Iron Man" or "The Natural Born Crusher"?#ONE172 | Sunday March 23 2025
More info 👉 https://t.co/9MjLEG6fIK pic.twitter.com/uHLYXhy99l— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) December 16, 2024
Takeru made his ONE debut in a five-round thriller against Superlek Kiatmoo9. Although he failed to nab the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship, “The Natural Born Crusher” returned to show his might against Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81. The second-round KO sent a clear message to Rodtang about what could be in his future.
The wait is OVER. Takeru vs. Rodtang. March 23 2025. Saitama Super Arena. HERE. WE. GO 🤩 #ONE172 | Sunday March 23 2025
More info 👉 https://t.co/9MjLEG6fIK@takerusegawa pic.twitter.com/hYtInAUHQF— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) December 16, 2024
Vacant MMA Gold at Stake During ONE 172 on March 23
The kickboxing battle is not the only high-stakes flyweight contest at ONE 172. The vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Title will also be on the line. #1-ranked contender Adriano Moraes meets #2-ranked Yuya Wakamatsu for the crown in a rematch more than two years in the making.
Battle for the CROWN 👑 Former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Adriano Moraes looks to reclaim the vacant throne in enemy territory in a rematch against Yuya Wakamatsu on March 23 at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang! Will "Little Piranha" avenge his loss and win gold, or will the… pic.twitter.com/YU1Dgji9Mw
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) December 16, 2024
In their first meeting in 2022 at ONE X, Moraes retained the gold via third-round submission. However, in the years following the result, Wakamatsu has improved his defensive grappling in preparation for another crack at the Brazilian. With gold on the line, both flyweights have their heart set on starting a new era in the division on a massive platform.
Moraes earned his shot at the vacant title with a second-round submission over Danny Kingad at ONE 169. At ONE Fight Night 26, just one month later, Wakamatsu cruised past Gilbert Nakatani to keep pace and stand out for his shot at the gold. The title match is now official, and the division will move forward in the wake of Demetrious Johnson’s retirement.
ONE 172 airs live on Sunday, March 23. The event emanates from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Stay tuned at MMASucka.com, as more matches will be announced in the coming weeks.
