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First-ranked ONE Championship flyweight kickboxing contender and former flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon of Thailand has apologized to fans for the long wait.
Rodtang is finally signed to face Japanese kickboxing rival 'The Natural Born Crusher' Takeru Segawa in a five-rounder at ONE 172 early next year.
Fans have been clamoring for a showdown between the two stars for the longest time, and now, it's finally happening.
Addressing the media at the official ONE 172 press conference in Tokyo this week, Rodtang promised fans fireworks in this fight.
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'The Iron Man' said:
"While I ended up making Japanese and global fans wait, I will come fully prepared for the fight in a way that will make you forget about the wait, so please look forward to it."
This is not the first time Rodtang has faced a major name in Japanese kickboxing.
In June of 2018, 'The Iron Man' traveled to the land of the rising sun to face multi-sport athlete Tenshin Nasukawa at Rise 125. This was before his ONE Championship run.
Unfortunately, Rodtang dropped a close decision after six rounds of action. The two fought to a draw up to round five, so a sixth overtime round was needed to determine the winner, and Tenshin emerged the victor.
However, fans believe Rodtang was the true winner of that fight, despite what the judges scored it as.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon ready to settle the score against Takeru Segawa at ONE 172
ONE Championship has a massive blockbuster on its hands as it returns to Japan early next year. The promotion heads to Saitama Super Arena on Sunday, March 23, 2025 for ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, which broadcasts live in Asia primetime.
In the main event, former flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon takes on Japanese kickboxing megastar 'The Natural Born Crusher' Takeru Segawa in a five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight.
Fans in the United States and Canada can visit ONE Championship's official website for more information on how to watch from their location. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.
