Takeru admits training for Rodtang affected the outcome of his match with Superlek: “That's how much I wanted this fight”

Takeru Segawa believes his focus on a fight with Rodtang Jitmuangnon cost him in his promotional debut against Superlek Kiatmoo9.

'The Natural Born Crusher' first stepped onto martial arts' biggest global stage at ONE 165 in his native Japan and went toe-to-toe with 'The Kicking Machine' in one of the most exciting five-round scraps of the year. However, Takeru was originally scheduled to face 'The Iron Man' at the event.

Unfortunately, Rodtang suffered an injury while training, which forced him out of the bout, leading Superlek to step in on short notice.

Superlek ultimately came out on top, earning a unanimous decision W over the former K-1 world champion.

Looking back on his promotional premiere at the ONE 172 press conference in Tokyo, Takeru acknowledged that he spent most of his training camp preparing for Rodtang, which he believes was reflected in his performance against Superlek.

"That's how much I wanted this fight," Takeru said. "In my fight with Superlek, my style reflected how I've been training with Rodtang in mind."

After over a year, Takeru will finally get the fight he wants.

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Takeru vs. Rodtang announced for ONE Championship's return to Japan on March 23

Just ahead of the holidays, ONE Championship delivered a glorious gift to fight fans in the form of an official announcement that on Sunday, March 23, Rodtang and Takeru will finally meet in one of the most anticipated showdowns in promotional history.

Emanating from the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan, 'The Iron Man' will meet 'The Natural Born Crusher' in a flyweight kickboxing superfight that is sure to deliver fireworks.

Takeru goes into their scrap having landed his first win under the ONE banner, besting Thant Zin with an impressive come-from-behind KO at ONE Friday Fights 81 in September.

Meanwhile, Rodtang rides into The Land of the Rising Sun with back-to-back wins against 'The Bosnian Menace' Denis Puric and top-five-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Jacob Smith.

Who comes out on top when the unstoppable force meets the immovable object in one of the most anticipated fights of the last decade?

ONE 172 will emanate from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Sunday, March 23. Visit ONE Championship’s official website to sign up for early bird tickets to the event.