“I adapted to it and I made it good” - Takeru on overcoming Thant Zin’s knockout power at ONE Friday Fights 81

Despite taking some big blows early on, Takeru Segawa made the necessary adjustments and bagged his first victory under the ONE Championship banner.

After coming up short in a five-round war against Superlek in January, 'The Natural Born Crusher' returned for an entertaining clash with Burmese knockout artist Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81 inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

Thant saw some success early on, including a booming left hook that sent Takeru crashing to the canvas in the opening round. Going into the second stanza, the former K-1 titleholder knew that he would need to change his game plan if he hoped to see his hand raised—and that's exactly what he did.

After dropping Thant with a front kick to the body, Takeru finished the job up against the ropes with a right-left combination that sent the Myanmar star to the mat for the second and final time.

Speaking with Mitch Chilson in the ring immediately following the victory, 'The Natural Born Crusher' said:

"First of all, thank you for supporting. Second, I was rushing, so I was taking damage to my face, but it was okay. Also it was my first match after my big injury, but I adapted to it and I made it good."

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Takeru stares down Rodtang following his big win at ONE Friday Fights 81

Perhaps even bigger than Takeru's win over Thant Zin was what happened immediately after.

While speaking with Chilson, reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon entered the ring for a fiery staredown with the Japanese icon.

Though things got a little physical between the two, it was clear that there was a great deal of respect between the two pound-for-pound greats.

For years, fight fans have been dreaming about seeing Takeru square off with 'The Iron Man' on martial arts' biggest global stage. With the former three-division K-1 champion now in the win column in ONE, it's just a matter of time before we see two of the most explosive strikers throw hands.

Are you ready to see Rodtang vs. Takeru finally happen?

If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE Friday Fights 81 replay on demand via watch.onefc.com.