Rodtang vs Takeru Sagawa will main event ONE 172 at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
Former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon had some fighting words for Japanese megastar Takeru Segawa ahead of their highly anticipated bout.
The two striking superstars will face off in a five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight headlining ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23 at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
Takeru previously stated he felt like "dying" after losing his debut to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 165 in January last year. The Thai superstar now promises to finish the job when they finally meet in a week's time.
"When Takeru lost to Superlek, he said in an interview that it made him feel like he was dying alive. So in this fight, I will be the one to bury him six feet under," Rodtang said.
This match has been years in the making, with fans including it in their dream matchups long before Takeru signed with ONE Championship.
While Takeru dominated K-1 by becoming the only fighter to win Championships in three different weight classes, Rodtang controlled the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai division — defeating elite opponents including two wins over Jonathan Haggerty during that stretch.
Beyond their accomplishments, their fighting styles make this matchup truly compelling — both fighters willingly stand and trade shots to entertain fans.
"Takeru's most dangerous weapons are his unpredictable and unorthodox attacks — and his Bushido spirit. He was truly born to fight," Rodtang said.
"Everyone knows what his weakness is — his defense is poor. Although he is durable, when he attacks, he neglects his defense. He proved that in his fights with Superlek and Thant Zin."
Takeru stated in previous interviews he might retire if he beats Rodtang, calling it a "bonus" — something the Thai fighter took offense to.
"I'm not a kind of cheap snack that he can chew on and talk smack about. Try me first, and he will find the answer," Rodtang said.
Rodtang intends to defeat Takeru decisively while ensuring his opponent seeks one more victory before truly ending his career.
"If I were really going to be the last one who fights Takeru and he'll retire, I'll forever blame myself and never forgive myself," Rodtang said.
"[Beating] him painfully in his last match would not be nice. I'll let him live on in this industry, trying to find victory, before he quits it himself."