“There’s been a lot of hype” - ONE VP Rich Franklin thrilled that long-awaited clash between Rodtang and Takeru is now a reality

Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Takeru Segawa is finally happening and Rich Franklin couldn't be happier about it. After years of waiting, fight fans will see two of the greatest strikers go toe-to-toe on martial arts' biggest global stage.

Emanating from the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan, Rodtang vs. Takeru will headline ONE 172 on Sunday, March 23 in what is sure to be one of the biggest combat sports events of the decade.

Appearing on the MightyCast podcast with former ONE world champion Demetrious Johnson, ONE Championship VP Rich Franklin shared his excitement over the long-awaited scrap.

"On the fight side of things, there’s going to be some interesting matchups," Franklin said. "I think Rodtang versus Takeru is going to be one that I’m really looking forward to. There’s been a lot of hype behind this fight for years now, and so this one looks like it’s finally getting done."

Watch the full episode:

ONE 172 will also see eight-time titleholder Adriano Moraes return to the Circle and attempt to kickstart another championship reign when he challenges Yuya Wakamatsu for the vacant ONE flyweight MMA world title.

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Rodtang and Takeru carry a lot of momentum into their ONE 172 showdown

Both fighters will enter the highly-anticipated showdown with some big wins under the belt.

After suffering his first Muay Thai loss under the ONE Championship banner, Rodtang has since bounced back with a pair of impressive performances against 'The Bosnian Menace' Denis Puric and top-five-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Jacob Smith.

Overall, 'The Iron Man' is 16-1 combined in Muay Thai and kickboxing competition under the ONE banner and brings with him 273 career total victories.

Meanwhile, Takeru makes his third appearance with the promotion on the heels of a sensational come-from-behind KO against Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81 in September. Before that, he went five memorable rounds with reigning two-sport titleholder Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 165 in Tokyo.

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 one of the most anticipated events of 2025.