Confident Takeru Segawa Ready to Prove He’s the “Strongest in the World” Against Superlek at ONE 165

Published 01/24/2024, 4:44 AM EST

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Takeru Segawa is set to debut in ONE Championship this weekend, and he wants to make his promotional bow count. 

On Sunday, January 28, “The Natural Born Crusher” will challenge Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship in the main event of ONE 165 inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Takeru Segawa will look to start his career with a win at ONE 165 

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Originally slated to face flyweight Muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a kickboxing bout, Takeru was left without an opponent after “The Iron Man” suffered an injury during training that prevented him from competing. 

Fortunately, Superlek was also dealt with the same fate after his scheduled challenger at ONE Fight Night 18, Elias Mahmoudi, was sidelined for the same reason. 

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It made sense to pit the two superstars together as a result, and their upcoming battle is arguably bigger than Takeru’s initial offering, considering it now has gold on the line.

 

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A post shared by 武尊 Takeru (@k1takeru)

Speaking to ONE, the Japanese striking megastar shared his thoughts on his foe and broke down what he expects from him when they meet in the ring. 

“He has been fighting in Muay Thai for a long time [before kickboxing], possessing Muay Thai techniques and strong kicks. In terms of the match content, I believe it will be a battle between my punches and Superlek’s kicks,” he said. 

Read More: WATCH:- Nong-O Gaiyanghadao Flatlines Felipe Lobo in the Third Round With an Uppercut From Hell to Retain His Belt at ONE X

“Since this match has five rounds, it may become a match where one of us falls. I absolutely want to KO Superlek and win the belt.” 

Who will win the battle when two superstars take center stage?

Superlek captured the coveted flyweight kickboxing strap at ONE Fight Night 6 last January by dismantling Spanish striker Daniel Puertas in a five-round slugfest. 

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He is currently riding an eight-fight win streak in ONE Championship’s Muay Thai and kickboxing ranks, and he truly cemented his name among the planet’s elite with his latest win – a unanimous decision victory over Rodtang at ONE Friday Fights 43 in September.

Takeru believes that his new home has the top martial artists in the world, and he is embracing the opportunity to take on an athlete of the caliber of Superlek in his very first fight.

Read More: “I’m Better Technically and Stronger Too” – Felipe Lobo Breaks Down His Advantages Over Saemapetch Fairtex Ahead of ONE Fight Night 17

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“I consider ONE the best in the world, so by defeating their champion, I will prove that I am the strongest in the world. I will definitely win,” he said. 

All the action from ONE 165 will be broadcast on pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com this Sunday.

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Written by:

Anirban Chatterjee

667Articles

One take at a time

I am Anirban, an MMA enthusiast with the opportunity to combine my fascination for the sport with my professional adventures as a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. Apart from being a professional athlete, MMA and Soccer are sports that I have always enjoyed following. I am a huge fan of ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor, and Israel Adesanya.
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Edited by:

Yeswanth Praveen