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Streaking welterweight standout Hiroyuki Tetsuka has nothing but respect for his next opponent, Isi Fitikefu.
On Friday, September 6, ONE Championship returns to Ball Arena in 'The Mile High City' for a loaded ONE 168: Denver card, featuring two epic world title fights and the highly anticipated return of British Muay Thai icon Liam Harrison.
Fans will also witness a guaranteed banger between two welterweight stars determined to emerge as the division's next title contender.
Riding a five-fight win streak — all finishes— 'Japanese Beast' will meet returning Isi Fitikefu in a bout that could produce reigning welterweight titleholder Christian Lee's next opponent once 'The Warrior' handles some business at lightweight with Alibeg Rasulov at ONE 169: Atlanta.
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During a recent interview with ONE Championship, Hiroyuki Tetsuka was very complimentary of Fitikefu's skill set and strength, saying:
“He’s physically strong, probably because he used to be a rugby player. He’s athletic and has refined his grappling and striking skills.”
Hiroyuki Tetsuka confident a win at ONE 168: Denver will earn him a shot at welterweight gold
With a series of impressive finishes, including back-to-back first-round submissions against Jin Tae Ho and Abraao Amorim, Hiroyuki Tetsuka believes that a sixth straight stoppage should finally put him at the top of the list for a shot at two-division king Christian Lee:
"If I get six consecutive finishes, I believe I should be in line for a title shot," Tetsuka added. "Of course, I understand that the promotion makes these decisions, but I certainly hope for it."
However, Isi Fitikefu has no intention of letting that happen.
After coming up short in his promotional debut against Ruslan Emilbek Uulu, 'Doxz' bounced back with a first-round finish against Valmir Da Silva at ONE Fight Night 9 last year.
Will Fitikefu make it two straight inside the circle, or will Tetsuka establish himself as the next man in line at welterweight?
Follow this link for tickets to ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena.
