On March 23, 2025, at the Saitama Super Arena, ONE Championship is set to host its eagerly awaited event, ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang. This event not only features the headline fight between the two kickboxing champions but also includes a mix of notable Japanese fighters and international participants, embodying the ‘Japan vs. World’ theme.
The excitement around the event is palpable as it marks the return of ONE to Japan after approximately 14 months, making it the fourth occurrence of such live events held in the country. In addition to the main event featuring Takeru, a fan-favorite, the card boasts fights from esteemed competitors such as Noiri Masahiro, Kaito, Yoshinari Nadaka, and Aoki Shinya, adding to the appeal of a richly international fight night.
Prior to the main event, a public training session was held two days earlier on March 21, where Mallett Gregorian appeared to be in excellent shape. However, during the weigh-in and hydration testing on March 22, which began at 10:00 AM before the fight, things didn't go as planned for Gregorian.
By the cutoff time of 1:00 PM for testing, four fighters failed to pass their hydration tests, including Gregorian, who notably did not show up on time for the weigh-in. Though he finally arrived and submitted a urine sample shortly before the 2 PM deadline, he was reported to be overweight by approximately 350 to 400 grams. Speculation suggests that he drank water to produce urine for the test, which led to this overweight situation.
The missed cut-off for the hydration test led to a cancellation of the fight between Gregorian and Kaito, a pivotal match that many had anticipated. As a result of the failed negotiations for a catchweight bout, both combatants are now without a match on the card. Notably, Superlek, another prominent fighter, also faced issues with his weight and hydration test; he too has had his title stripped due to his failure to meet the standards required for the event.
In light of this, the fight between Superlek Kiatmookao9 and Nabill Anane has undergone a rescheduling to be contested under a catchweight of 146.25 pounds (approximately 66.34 kg). Additionally, Superlek will give 30% of his fight purse to Anane. Similarly, other fighters affected by late weigh-ins will also forfeit portions of their purses to their respective opponents.
Moreover, the entire event will be streamed live via the U-NEXT service, marking a shift away from traditional terrestrial broadcast methods. The move to streaming underscores a broader trend in sports broadcasting: many consumers now depend on platforms like U-NEXT rather than conventional television. U-NEXT will offer a pay-per-view option for those wishing to watch the fights, with prices set at 5,000 yen for advance purchase, 5,500 yen on the day, and 4,500 yen for catch-up viewing.
As of now, it appears that the event does not have any scheduled terrestrial broadcasts, even after inquiries into local TV and satellite services. This implies that fans must turn to U-NEXT if they want to watch any part of ONE 172 or its undercards live. U-NEXT is promoting a 31-day free trial which may provide an accessible avenue for new viewers to experience the event.
The line-up for ONE 172 showcases diverse matches across weight classes and styles—from kickboxing to mixed martial arts (MMA), catering to fans’ varying preferences. The first bout of the evening is expected to feature Srey রেক Po.Iyenying against Ryuto Sawada at approximately 4:05 PM, followed by sequential matchups, leading up to Takeru’s main event fight against Rodtang around 8:45 PM.
As fight fans prepare for the thrill of ONE 172, anticipation builds on social media and among various community forums. Supporters are buzzing not only about the fighters but also about the presentation of the event and the opportunities to witness international combat sports from their homes.
In conclusion, ONE Championship's event on March 23 will not simply be another fight night; it serves as a pivotal reflection of the evolving landscape of martial arts entertainment. With the integration of various cultural elements, high-stakes matchups, and modern broadcasting methods, ONE 172 is poised to make a mark in sports history.
