Regardless of the outcome, this fight will mark a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers. If Folayang emerges victorious, it could set the stage for another high-profile fight, potentially against a rising contender or another veteran of the sport
If Aoki wins, he could position himself for a rematch with the division’s top contenders.
Both fighters have already left an indelible mark on MMA, and their contributions to the sport will be remembered long after they hang up their gloves.
But for now, all eyes are on ONE 172, where the final chapter of this legendary rivalry will unfold.
ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang is shaping up to be one of the best combat sports events of the year. With five world titles on the line and a card stacked with elite fighters, fans are in for a night of unforgettable action.
Whether you’re a fan of striking battles, high-level grappling, or simply love watching the best martial artists compete, this event is one you don’t want to miss.
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Table of Contents
Eduard Folayang’s Perspective on the Event
Filipino MMA icon Eduard Folayang has expressed his excitement for the event, particularly highlighting three world championship fights and his own bout against Shinya Aoki.1
Folayang, a former ONE Lightweight World Champion, is set to face Japanese legend Aoki for the fourth time in what promises to be an electrifying contest.
The upcoming ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang pay-per-view card on March 23 inside the Saitama Super Arena in Japan is packed with an exciting list of fights that every combat sports fan should not miss.
With five world titles on the line, this event promises to be one of the most thrilling nights in ONE Championship history.
ONE 172 is not just another fight card; it is a monumental event featuring some of the biggest names in combat sports. The presence of multiple world title bouts makes it an unmissable spectacle.
Fighters from various disciplines will showcase their skills, bringing together fans of Muay Thai, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) under one roof.
Never stop learning.👑
Team #lionsnationmma pic.twitter.com/MACgNVf1qc— eduard folayang (@efolayang) September 24, 2024
Co-Main Event: Tawanchai vs. Masaaki Noiri for the Interim Title
Another highly anticipated fight on the card is the ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world title bout between Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Masaaki Noiri.
Tawanchai, the reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion, has been unstoppable in recent years, showcasing his elite striking skills against some of the best in the division.
Noiri, a kickboxing veteran, has long been one of Japan’s top strikers. Facing a dominant champion like Tawanchai will be a test of his ability to handle elite-level competition on the world stage.
The winner of this bout will position themselves as a top-tier fighter in the featherweight kickboxing division.
Nabil Anane, though relatively new to the global stage, has impressed with his unique style and aggressive approach. This fight presents an opportunity for him to cement his name among the sport’s elite.
Eduard Folayang’s Must-Watch Bouts
In an interview with The MMA Superfan, Folayang pointed out the fights of Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Superlek Kiatmoo9, and Tawanchai PK Saenchai as the ones to watch.2
According to Folayang:
“Of course, my match with Shinya. Those four will be at the top on my list of fights everyone should watch out for. So for me, those four would be the best matches to watch – Rodtang’s, Superlek’s, Tawanchai’s, and Folayang’s.”
Superlek Kiatmoo9 will defend his undisputed ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against rising star Nabil Anane.
Superlek has been on a tear, consistently proving himself as one of the best pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighters in the world. His devastating kicks and high fight IQ make him a tough opponent for anyone in the division.
Main Event: Rodtang vs. Takeru – A Dream Matchup
The headline fight of the evening will feature Rodtang Jitmuangnon taking on Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa in a flyweight kickboxing bout.
This matchup has been years in the making, with fans eagerly anticipating a clash between two of the most exciting strikers in the sport.
Rodtang, known as “The Iron Man,” has established himself as one of the most feared Muay Thai fighters in the world. His aggressive style, granite chin, and relentless pace make him a nightmare for any opponent. His transition to kickboxing has been seamless, further proving his versatility as a striker.
Takeru Segawa is one of Japan’s most celebrated kickboxers, known for his technical prowess and knockout power. Fighting in his home country, Takeru will have the support of the Japanese crowd, adding an extra layer of intensity to this already explosive matchup.
Eduard Folayang vs. Shinya Aoki IV: Legacy Fight
The rivalry between Eduard Folayang and Shinya Aoki is one of the most storied in ONE Championship history.3
With three previous encounters, each fighter has secured a victory over the other, making their fourth meeting a crucial decider in their legendary feud.
Folayang, a pioneer of Filipino MMA, is looking to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
His striking-heavy style has always posed problems for grapplers like Aoki, but he will need to be at his best to overcome the Japanese submission specialist.
Shinya Aoki, a former ONE Lightweight World Champion, remains one of the most dangerous submission artists in MMA.
His ability to control opponents on the ground and finish fights with his signature submissions makes him a formidable opponent for Folayang.
Why ONE 172 is a Must-Watch Event
With a stacked card featuring world-class talent, ONE 172 is set to be one of the most memorable events in recent combat sports history.
The mix of elite Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA bouts ensures there is something for every fight fan to enjoy.
ONE Championship has continually delivered high-quality fights that appeal to audiences worldwide.
The promotion’s commitment to showcasing the best martial artists across different disciplines has helped it grow into a premier combat sports organization.
Unlike many fight cards where outcomes can be somewhat predictable, ONE 172 presents a series of evenly matched contests where anything can happen. The unpredictability of these fights makes for a thrilling night of action.
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Eduard Folayang’s Perspective
A Career-Defining Moment
Eduard Folayang has always been a fighter who thrives in high-pressure situations.
As a former two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion, he understands the importance of legacy and redemption. Speaking to The MMA Superfan, Folayang highlighted why this fourth bout against Aoki is crucial:
“That’s what will be very intriguing for our match, what’s going to happen next to Shinya and I after the match. I hope that will draw even more fans to watch the event.”
For Folayang, this match is not just about evening the score—it’s about proving that he still belongs at the highest level of MMA.
Having faced numerous ups and downs in recent years, a victory over Aoki could serve as a career resurgence, opening doors for future title opportunities.
Aoki’s Perspective: Aiming to Cement His Legacy
Shinya Aoki, a seasoned veteran with an illustrious career, is looking to solidify his dominance over Folayang.
Known for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and relentless submission attacks, Aoki remains a formidable force in the lightweight division.
If he secures a third victory over Folayang, it will further cement his status as one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history.
Aoki is not only fighting for personal pride but also to maintain his standing as a top contender in ONE Championship.
A dominant win could propel him back into the title conversation and possibly set up a super fight with another elite competitor in the division.
Eduard Folayang: The Tactical Breakdown
Striking vs. Grappling
As with their previous encounters, this match will likely be a classic striker-versus-grappler showdown.
Folayang, a wushu specialist, boasts powerful kicks, quick footwork, and dynamic striking combinations. His ability to keep the fight standing will be critical to his success.
On the other hand, Aoki is a submission wizard who thrives on taking his opponents to the ground. His ability to close the distance, secure takedowns, and transition into dominant positions makes him a constant threat.
Folayang must focus on takedown defense, movement, and striking accuracy to avoid getting trapped in Aoki’s ground game.
Eduard Folayang and Shinya Aoki are two of the most recognizable names in Asian mixed martial arts (MMA).
Their rivalry, spanning over a decade, has captured the attention of fight fans worldwide. With three encounters already in the books, the stakes have never been higher as the two warriors prepare for their fourth battle at ONE 172.
Folayang has made it clear that this fight will be the ultimate decider, potentially shaping the future trajectory of both their careers.
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What’s at Stake for Both Fighters?
Beyond personal pride, this fight carries significant implications for both fighters’ careers. A win for Folayang could reignite his championship aspirations and prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
It would also avenge his past losses to Aoki, bringing their rivalry to a deadlock at 2-2.
For Aoki, another win over Folayang would reaffirm his dominance and strengthen his case for another run at the ONE Lightweight World Championship.
A loss, however, could signal a decline in his storied career and push him toward a different role within the sport, such as coaching or competing in grappling-only matches.
ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang is already a highly anticipated event, featuring some of the biggest names in combat sports. The inclusion of Folayang vs. Aoki IV adds even more excitement, especially given the history between these two warriors.
The event, set to take place at the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan on March 23, promises to deliver fireworks.
Fans can purchase the ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang PPV card via watch.onefc.com, ensuring they don’t miss out on this historic showdown.
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