"Masato vibes" - Fans liken Japanese superstar Takeru to kickboxing legend Masato, hyped for his impending return

Former three-division K1 champion Takeru Segawa came up short in his debut fight in ONE Championship and received a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Superlek Kiatmoo9 during their ONE flyweight kickboxing world title fight at ONE 165 in January 2024.

Takeru's defeat was more heart-breaking for him since it happened in front of his home crowd at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. But his never-say-die attitude is on full display, as the promotion featured it in a recent Instagram video.

They wrote the video's caption with:

"Warrior spirit 😤 Can Takeru claim the win against Thant Zin on September 27 at ONE Friday Fights 81? 👊 @k1takeru"

The now-number two-rated ONE flyweight kickboxing contender gained love and respect for his gallant stand against 'The Kicking Machine' and pushed him to full five rounds of action.

In fact, fans even compared him to fellow Japanese kickboxing legend Masato, who was a former ISKA and K1 world champion. Users @_mjubeni_, @nakmuaystrike, @rashad.ghaith, @itsadeadshame, and @geta.lifeman have showered him with massive praise, as they commented:

"Masato vibes 🔥🔥🙌"

"@k1takeru being able to still stand after taking all those shots to the legs from a fighter called The Kicking Machine just proves how tough his conditioning is 🔥 👏 to both fighters."

"Takeru time 🔥🔥"

"ONE debut against Superlek is actually kinda crazy, props to him and wish him luck in his next fight, he's and amazing fighter 💯"

"Takeru going to make a comeback even greater than Haggerty"

"Superlek is king se all know that but but God damnn takeru is one tough SOB i started the fight rooting for superlek but in the end I was praying for takeru to win 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥"

Screenshot of fans' comments

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Takeru Segawa makes his much-awaited return in ONE Championship at ONE Friday Fights 81

Following that impressive debut on the global stage, 'The Natural Born Crusher' will finally make his highly awaited comeback in the ring on Sept. 27 in the co-main event of ONE Friday Fights 81.

Takeru Segawa is scheduled to face 19-year-old phenom Thant Zin of Myanmar in a flyweight kickboxing match inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.