THE fight that has the entire combat sports world talking is approaching. Japanese megastar Takeru "The Natural Born Krusher" Segawa and former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang "The Iron Man" Jitmuangnon are finally set to collide.
After more than a year's wait, the two best fighters in the flyweight division will face off in the main event of ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang this Sunday, March 23, at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
READ: Takeru vows war in long-awaited clash with Rodtang at ONE 172
Winning everything he could outside of ONE Championship, including titles in three different divisions in K-1, Takeru joined ONE with the goal of proving himself as the best flyweight in the world, with his focus on one opponent — Rodtang.
Known as "The Iron Man" for his seemingly indestructible nature and powerful strikes, Rodtang has endeared himself to fans worldwide with his ability to walk opponents down and absorb big shots effortlessly, before unleashing powerful blows of his own to break his adversaries.
The collision course between these two juggernauts has the entire world divided, but the men of Lions Nation MMA have already picked their favorite to win.
"With the 'Iron Man' [Rodtang]," Pacio said on Instagram. "Let's go champ. Iron Man all the way!"
READ: Aoki pens heartfelt message to Folayang ahead of ONE 172
Former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard Folayang, who'll be sharing the same card with Rodtang when he concludes his own rivalry match against Shinya Aoki, also shared some moments with the Thai champion.
Rodtang has special memories of Filipinos and the Philippines in general. He won his first World Title in the promotion at Mall of Asia Arena when he beat Jonathan Haggerty at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES in 2019.
He can only hope that Filipino luck continues for him this time against Takeru.
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