“I want a fight that gives you butterflies” - Isi Fitikefu wants to earn world title shot with explosive performance against Hiroyuki Tetsuka

Isi Fitikefu seeks to fortify his footing in the ONE welterweight MMA division and secure a world title shot with a solid showing in his upcoming match in the United States next month. The Sydney-based fighter, who is currently 31 years of age, will go up against streaking Japanese fighter Hiroyuki Tetsuka in a welterweight showdown at ONE 168 on Sept. 6.

The contest is part of ONE Championship's second live on-ground event in the U.S., happening at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Isi Fitikefu spoke about his scheduled showdown against Tetsuka, and touched on how he wants the fight to play out. The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Smeaton Grange representative said:

"I love hard fights, and those are the fights I want. I want a fight that gives you butterflies in your stomach because it's challenging.

He added:

"These guys are good, and if I can beat them, then I know I'm worthy enough for a world title shot. I want to earn my shot. I don't want anything given to me."

Isi Fitikefu is coming off a win heading into ONE 168. He defeated Brazilian Valmir Da Silva by submission in the opening round of their match in April to notch his first victory in two matches in ONE Championship since making his promotional debut in Nov. 2022.

He is now looking to make it back-to-back wins by defeating the 34-year-old Tetsuka. For his part, Tetsuka has been a mainstay in the ONE welterweight division, and has won six of his seven fights under the ONE banner, including his last five fights.

ONE 168: Denver will air live and for free at U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Tickets for the event are available for purchase on Ticketmaster.

Isi Fitikefu embraces underdog tag against Hiroyuki Tetsuka at ONE 168

Up against a streaking opponent at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6, Isi Fitikefu has no problem being labelled an underdog. He believes he is up for the challenge and looking to spring up a convincing win to prove his doubters wrong.

The former rugby player-turned-mixed martial artist made this known in an interview with ONE Championship, highlighting how it is going to be a great test of his abilities battling Tetsuka and an opportunity to show what he is truly capable of as a fighter.

Isi Fitikefu said:

"I've been watching [Tetsuka]. He's been winning a lot. Seeing someone fight like that motivates me because I'm an underdog, I like this matchup. It's challenging. I get to test myself against the best, so I'm just keen to get in there.