“It became more than just my own” - Takeru Segawa says martial arts became a bigger force in his life as he grew older

Takeru Segawa knew at some point in his career that he would be fighting not just for himself.

In an interview with ONE Championship, the Japanese megastar said he initially looked at fighting and martial arts to elevate himself and his brand. Things, however, started to shift when he began gaining notoriety among his peers and fans.

Takeru slowly realized that his career had become bigger than him, and he was now fighting for his family, fans, and the people who have supported him every step of the way.

"I've been doing martial arts since I was little, admiring strong people. When I started, I enjoyed fighting. At some point, it became more than just my own martial arts - it became about the fans, the people supporting me, my teammates, my family," said Takeru Segawa.

'The Natural Born Crusher' began his professional career in 2007 and quickly became one of Japan's best strikers.

Takeru would capture the K-1 bantamweight, featherweight, and super featherweight world titles and became the promotion's only three-division world champion.

After ruling over Japan, Takeru made his high-profile move to ONE Championship in January this year when he challenged Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE flyweight kickboxing world title in the main event of ONE 165.

Although he had a near finish in the third round, Takeru dropped to a unanimous decision loss due to Superlek's control for most of the fight.

Takeru, however, has a chance to bounce back when he faces Burmese rising star Thant Zin in a flyweight kickboxing match at ONE Friday Fights 81 at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday.

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Takeru Segawa says being at the top brings with it undue pressure and mental strain

Takeru Segawa knows staying at the top brings undue pressure that doesn't even involve the sport.

The multi-time world champion revealed in an interview with ONE Championship that there came a point in his career where he didn't feel any kind of happiness despite the stardom he reached.

He said:

"While I get power from this, there's also pressure and mental challenges. There was a time when I couldn't enjoy what I originally loved doing. Now, after being a champion in Japan and K-1, I'm fighting as a challenger again aiming for world number one overseas."