Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa is not walking away without a title.
The three-division K-1 Champion faces Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon in the main event of ONE Samurai 1 on April 29 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title — the final fight of his career.
Also on the card, ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu makes his second title defense against Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev.
Their first meeting at ONE 172 last March lasted just 80 seconds. A single Rodtang left hook ended it before it began. The shock pushed Takeru toward retirement.
He bounced back at ONE 173 in November with a second-round TKO of Denis Puric that earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus and, more importantly, the rematch he had always wanted.
Now 34 and fighting for the last time, Takeru sees every scar as part of the story. Segawa said:
“I’m incredibly happy to be able to fight Rodtang again in my final professional bout. Ever since before I joined ONE, all I’ve ever thought about was defeating Rodtang,” he said.
“Looking back, I believe that even my previous loss was all part of the story, leading to this retirement fight where I turn everything around and claim the belt. I will prove once and for all that Takeru is at the center of the combat sports world. I’m going to win this.”
Yuya Wakamatsu ready to show a new side at ONE Samurai 1
Yuya Wakamatsu’s road to the flyweight throne ran through crushing losses to Demetrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes before he finally broke through, stopping Moraes in the first round at ONE 172, then defending against Joshua Pacio with a second-round TKO at ONE 173. The doubters have been answered, one by one.
Kholmirzaev is a different problem. Relentlessly aggressive with a well-rounded game, the Uzbek challenger has torn through the division and earned Wakamatsu’s full respect heading into April 29.
“He is an extremely aggressive fighter with a high level of skill across striking, takedowns, and submissions. In particular, his right leg kicks are very dangerous.”
“I want to give everything I have and show the skills and mental strength I have built up over the years at ONE Samurai 1. I am confident that fans will see a new side of Yuya Wakamatsu — and honestly, I can’t wait to see what kind of fight I can put on myself.”
“Thank you so much for always supporting me. I will show you everything I’ve got in this fight — please look forward to it!”