On March 23, 2025, the highly anticipated ONE Championship event, ONE 172, took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan, showcasing an electrifying lineup of kickboxing and Muay Thai bouts. The main event featured a thrilling match between Takeru, a former K-1 three-division champion, and Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai world champion. Unfortunately for Takeru, the fight ended in a shocking manner: he was knocked out by Rodtang just 1 minute and 20 seconds into the first round.
Rodtang, who had been nursing an injury to his left hand leading up to the fight, expressed his relief and happiness at securing the victory after showing some doubts about his performance. “I was lacking confidence, but I’m really happy that I was able to knock him out,” Rodtang said after the match. This victory not only solidifies Rodtang's status as a top competitor but also leaves a lasting mark on Takeru's career, who had aimed to rise to prominence once again in front of his home crowd.
The event was not exclusively about the main fight. The card also included other exciting matchups, including a Bantamweight Muay Thai clash where Nabil Anane faced Superlek Kiatmoo9. Superlek, who is known for his sharp kicks and elbows, came into the match as the reigning Bantamweight Muay Thai champion. However, due to failing a hydration test at the weigh-in, he was stripped of his title, which added an extra layer of intensity to the bout.
Superlek, standing at 171 cm, faced a significant challenge against the taller Nabil Anane, who stands at 195 cm. Their height difference of 24 cm played a crucial role in the fight dynamics. During Round 1, Anane showcased his prowess by delivering a precise right high kick that led to a knockdown of Superlek. From there on, Anane continued to dominate the match, eventually winning by unanimous decision with a score of 3-0.
After the fight, Anane expressed his emotions freely, stating, “Hello everyone! Thank you very much. I’m so happy. This is my dream come true.” His victory not only highlights his skills but establishes him as a strong contender in the ranks of international Muay Thai.
The event also marked a variety of successes for other fighters. Masanari Nomura became the interim champion in Featherweight Kickboxing after defeating Tawanchai PK Saenchai by TKO in Round 3, while Yuya Wakamatsu claimed victory against Adriano Moraes in Flyweight MMA, winning by KO in Round 1. These bouts underscored the depth of talent showcased during ONE 172.
In Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing, Petchjeeja Lukjaoporongtom successfully defended her title against KANA with a unanimous decision victory. Each of these fights contributed to a thrilling event, illustrating the growing interest and excitement surrounding ONE Championship in Japan.
The atmosphere within the Saitama Super Arena was electrifying, with fans cheering passionately for their favorites. Despite the noted losses, fighters like Takeru and Superlek demonstrated the sport's unpredictability and intensity. Fans can reflect on the evening as one filled with extraordinary performances, showcasing the heart and dedication of all competitors involved.
ONE 172 served as a testament to the rise of kickboxing and Muay Thai in the Asian sports scene, providing fans with first-hand experience of world-class fighting. As the fighters look to the future, it is clear events like this will only grow in popularity, drawing more fans into the passionate world of martial arts.
