On March 23, 2025, Marat Grigorian's scheduled fight against Kaito at ONE 172 was abruptly canceled due to weight issues. Set to take place at the Saitama Super Arena, the event was expected to showcase a thrilling clash between two top fighters in the featherweight division. However, drama unfolded when Grigorian, the former K-1 and GLORY champion, failed to meet the fight's weight requirements.
Grigorian, who had failed to submit a urine sample within the allotted time, ultimately arrived late at the weigh-in and tipped the scales at 155.75 pounds—0.75 pounds over the limit.
Kaito, representing Team F.O.D and known for his prowess in the ring, had successfully weighed in at 154 pounds. The mismatch meant that negotiations to set a catchweight fell through, leading to the cancellation of the fight. In a statement from ONE Championship, it was confirmed that Grigorian's weight issue was the reason for the fight’s cancellation.
In an emotional response posted on social media shortly after the announcement, Kaito expressed his disappointment. "Today’s match has become a cancellation. I am truly sorry to everyone who was looking forward to this bout. It is incredibly frustrating to have trained hard only to miss the opportunity to fight due to circumstances beyond my control," he wrote. Kaito also reassured his fans that he remains focused on his goal of becoming the strongest in the world and expressed the hope of fighting Grigorian in the future under better circumstances, stating, "If we are in the same weight class again, I hope to face him in prime condition and secure a victory."
The cancellation marked a significant moment in Grigorian's career, which has been closely followed by fans and analysts alike. Known for his striking skills and knockout power, Grigorian had high hopes for this matchup. The build-up to the fight featured intense training and a marketing push as both fighters prepared to clash in the ring. Fans had eagerly anticipated the bout as it held significance in both athletes' career trajectories.
Beyond the Grigorian-Kaito fight, ONE 172 is shaping up to be a notable event, featuring other key fights. The card includes a main event between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru, plus high-stakes matchups like Tawanchai PK Saenchai against Nasty Nasukawa, and Adrian Moraes challenging Yuya Wakamatsu for the flyweight title. The event serves as a platform for fighters to showcase their skills, and the audience is keenly aware of the stakes involved.
Grigorian's failure to meet weight is emblematic of the challenges fighters face in combat sports. Maintaining weight can be an arduous process that many find difficult, particularly when cutbacks are required shortly before a fight. While both fighters followed specific guidelines leading up to the bout, the failure to achieve weight can end any hope for competition on fight night.
The weight issue with Grigorian is a reminder of the rigorous nature of this sport. Fighters must juggle multiple aspects of their preparation, including physical peak performance, mental readiness, and compliance with weight classes. The ability to accurately gauge one's weight and stay within prescribed limits is crucial for success. It's a burden that can dictate a fighter's career path, and for Grigorian, this incident may impact his future opportunities significantly.
As fight fans await the conclusion of ONE 172's preliminary bouts, the question looms about how this unfortunate cancellation will affect both fighters' careers moving forward. Kaito's determination and focus on rising through the ranks remain commendable, while Grigorian will likely reflect on this setback as he contemplates his next steps in the sport.
Overall, ONE 172 represents not only a highly-anticipated clash of talent but also a stark reminder of the pressures that accompany the sport. The event unfolds with immense excitement and expectations while revealing the vulnerabilities that competitors must navigate along the way.
