ONE Championship's highly anticipated event, ONE 172, took place on March 23, 2025, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, featuring exhilarating bouts across kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. The event's main card was headlined by the Flyweight Kickboxing Super-Fight, where renowned Thai fighter Rodtang Jitmuangnon faced Japan's Takeru Segawa.
The night concluded dramatically when Rodtang achieved a swift knockout victory over Segawa, with an impressive left hook that landed just 1:20 into the first round. This decisive win not only reinforced Rodtang's moniker, "The Iron Man," but also marked his second finish in five years, showcasing his power and skill in the ring. The knockout came as a surprise, as many thought Segawa, a former three-division K-1 World Champion, would pose a significant challenge.
Matching Rodtang's prowess was Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri, who defeated Tawanchai PK Saenchai via TKO in the third round. Nabil Anane also shined in the Bantamweight Muay Thai fight, outclassing Superlek Kiatmoo9 to win by unanimous decision, evening their rivalry at one win each. The event's card had a total of eight fights, with several contests ending in knockouts or submissions, leaving fans thrilled.
Adding context to Rodtang's knockout, he expressed his desire for fans to appreciate his Muay Thai fighting, stating, “I want people to see my Muay Thai fighting and truly appreciate it—to understand it better, learn from it, and love it when they watch me fight.” His confident performance did not go unnoticed, sparking excitement on social media and making the knockout go viral almost immediately.
Despite the defeat, Takeru Segawa remains a formidable talent in the sport. However, his record now stands at 2-1 in ONE Championship after a challenging career debut. He initially faced Superlek Kiatmoo9, who had bested him in a prior bout by unanimous decision, revealing the competitive nature of his entry into the organization.
Rodtang's victory not only elevates his status within the ONE Championship ecosystem but also leaves many speculating about his next potential opponents, including a much-anticipated rematch against Superlek Kiatmoo9, the fighter who previously defeated him. Fans are buzzing about his prospects after witnessing such an explosive performance. Was this show of dominance enough to cement him as the premier face of Muay Thai in the current competitive landscape?
Aside from Rodtang, the fights in the event were characterized by back-and-forth action. Shinya Aoki faced Eduard Folayang in a lightweight MMA bout and submitted him in just 53 seconds using an armbar. This victory adds to Aoki's illustrious career and showcases his mastery of the sport as he moves to a record of 49-11.
In the bantamweight kickboxing fight, Hiroki Akimoto secured a split decision victory against former MMA champion John Lineker. This hard-fought clash highlighted Akimoto's endurance and tactical prowess, bringing his professional record to 27-4.
Another standout performance came from Adrian Lee, who continued to impress with a lightning-fast submission win over Takeharu Ogawa, finishing him with an Anaconda choke in just 63 seconds. Lee's rapid ascendance in ONE Championship is remarkable as he garners attention for securing three consecutive performance bonuses.
As the dust settles from ONE 172, emotions ran high among fighters and fans alike, celebrating remarkable victories while reflecting on the fierce competition displayed throughout the night. With significant wins under their belts, many athletes are now eyeing future challenges in their respective divisions. Will fans see Rodtang become the face of Muay Thai, and what does the future hold for Takeru Segawa after his latest setback?
