One Championship is set to deliver one of the most highly anticipated striking battles in recent memory as One 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang takes place on March 23, 2025, at Saitama Super Arena in Japan. This event will feature a blockbuster main event between two elite strikers, Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon, alongside a pivotal co-main event showdown between Adriano Moraes and Yuya Wakamatsu for the vacant One Flyweight MMA World Title.

Takeru Segawa, Japan’s first-ever three-division K-1 Champion, has long been celebrated for his dynamic offense and technical prowess. Since transitioning to One Championship, he has continued to impress, recently securing a knockout victory that reaffirmed his elite status in the striking world.

Facing him is Rodtang Jitmuangnon, a Muay Thai icon with an astonishing 270 career wins. Known for his relentless pressure and near-invincible durability, Rodtang has dominated the One Championship Muay Thai scene and remains one of the promotion’s most formidable and popular fighters.

This super-fight between kickboxing and Muay Thai royalty was initially scheduled in early 2024 but was delayed due to injury. Now, both men are fully prepared, setting the stage for an electrifying five-round showdown that combat sports fans have long awaited.

In addition to the striking spectacle headlining the event, former One Flyweight MMA World Champion Adriano Moraes will square off against Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu for the vacant flyweight title. Moraes, previously the divisional king, is ranked #1, while Wakamatsu, ranked #2, looks to claim the throne in front of his home crowd.

With more global superstars and Japanese martial arts icons expected to feature on the card, One 172 promises to be an unforgettable night.

Ahead of their monumental clash, Takeru and Rodtang participated in a pre-fight press conference on March 17 at Shinjuku Sumitomo Hall in Tokyo, Japan. As reported by Beyondkick.com, both fighters expressed their respect for each other and the significance of this fight.

Takeru, reflecting on his journey, stated: “I've fought in K-1 ever since my debut and won titles in three weight classes. Now, as an active fighter, I want to take on one final challenge in my martial arts career, and that challenge is with One. One of the reasons I wanted to take on that challenge is because Rodtang has been a long-standing champion and has brought excitement to the sport. I believe that if I can defeat a champion like him, I can earn the title of the world’s best. That’s why I chose One as the final stage of my career.”

Rodtang, equally honored by the opportunity, shared: “I'm very happy to be able to take part in this fight. I’ve been watching Takeru for a long time — his fight with Tenshin, and many of his K-1 bouts as well. To be able to fight Takeru in my lifetime is a great honor and makes me truly happy. On March 23, as a Thai fighter and as a representative of One Championship, I believe I’ll be able to deliver an amazing fight.”

While all scheduled fighters attended the event, Kaito was notably absent due to illness, with no further updates provided by One Championship.

With One Championship returning to Japan for the fourth time, Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong emphasized the magnitude of this event: “One Championship will head to Japan for the fourth time, and I am excited to bring one of the biggest kickboxing fights in history to Saitama Super Arena. Takeru is a kickboxing icon, revered for his supreme skill and fighting spirit. Rodtang is the world’s most popular striking superstar and one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time. I can’t wait to finally witness this spectacular fight in One Championship.”