With contrasting styles and high stakes, Hiroki Akimoto vs. John Lineker is shaping up to be one of the most exciting fights on the ONE 172 card
Whether it ends in a brutal knockout or a tactical display of striking excellence, this fight is guaranteed to deliver fireworks. Fans should mark their calendars and prepare for a battle that could redefine both fighters’ careers.
ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang will be available for streaming worldwide. For more details on how to watch the event live, visit watch.onefc.com.
Whether you’re a die-hard martial arts fan or a casual viewer looking for high-octane action, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Also Read: Hiroki Akimoto (MMA): Who Is He? Bio, Wiki, Career, Achievements and More
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Hiroki Akimoto vs. John Lineker: Clash of Styles in ONE 172
A Battle of Heavy Hitters
The highly anticipated bout between Hiroki Akimoto and John Lineker at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang promises to be an electrifying showdown.1
Set to take place on March 23 at Saitama Super Arena in Japan, this bout will see Lineker make his kickboxing debut against the seasoned Akimoto.
With contrasting styles and a shared penchant for finishing fights, fans can expect nothing short of fireworks.
3月23日 日本大会でジョン・リネカー選手との試合が決まりました🔥
ここから今までの悔しさを全部取り戻せるような最高の結果を出したいと思います！
応援よろしくお願いします🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/T9ReF125Tp— 秋元 皓貴【キックボクサー】 (@HirokiAkimoto16) January 31, 2025
John Lineker: The Knockout Machine
John Lineker, aptly nicknamed ‘Hands of Stone,’ has built a fearsome reputation as one of the most devastating knockout artists in combat sports.
The former bantamweight MMA world champion possesses crushing power in both hands, a trait that has led him to multiple highlight-reel finishes.
Recently, Lineker ventured into Muay Thai, where he demonstrated his striking prowess with two consecutive brutal knockouts.
Now, he is set to challenge himself in kickboxing, aiming to prove his adaptability and striking dominance once again.
Hiroki Akimoto: The Technical Counterstriker
While Lineker thrives on relentless aggression and brute force, Hiroki Akimoto brings a more measured and tactical approach to the table.2
The Japanese kickboxer, a former ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion, is known for his precision, movement, and counter-striking abilities.
Unlike Lineker, who often throws wild haymakers, Akimoto excels at exploiting openings and punishing reckless advances.
The Strategic Mindset: Akimoto’s Plan to Capitalize on Openings
Akimoto, aware of Lineker’s knockout capabilities, has made it clear that he is not intimidated by the Brazilian powerhouse. During the ONE 172 press conference, he confidently outlined his strategy:
“Lineker has been an MMA champion and recently had three Muay Thai fights. While he’s a decisive fighter who scores knockdowns and KOs in his fights, I notice he has some openings. I’m looking to capitalize on those for a counter-KO.”
Akimoto’s game plan appears to revolve around precision striking and countering Lineker’s aggressive advances. By staying composed and avoiding unnecessary exchanges, he aims to exploit Lineker’s defensive lapses and land effective counters.
Hiroki Akimoto: Key Factors in the Fight
1. Power vs. Precision
Lineker’s game is built on overwhelming power and pressure, whereas Akimoto relies on technique, movement, and strategic counters.3
This fundamental contrast will determine the flow of the fight.
2. Experience in Kickboxing
While Lineker has competed in multiple combat sports, kickboxing is a new frontier for him. Akimoto, on the other hand, has extensive experience and will look to capitalize on any technical deficiencies in Lineker’s game.
3. Lineker’s Aggression vs. Akimoto’s Defense
Lineker’s aggressive approach can be a double-edged sword. If he manages to break through Akimoto’s defense, he could secure a knockout. However, if Akimoto effectively evades and counters, he could turn Lineker’s aggression against him.
Potential Outcomes of the Fight
1. A Quick Lineker Knockout
If Lineker manages to land clean early in the fight, he could end the bout in spectacular fashion. His punches have the potential to put anyone to sleep, and if Akimoto makes a defensive mistake, it could be lights out.
2. Akimoto’s Tactical Masterclass
If Akimoto successfully executes his counter-striking strategy, he could frustrate Lineker and land precise shots that accumulate damage over time. This approach could lead to a late stoppage or a decision victory in his favor.
3. A Back-and-Forth War
Both fighters have the skills and durability to push each other to the limit. If the fight turns into a slugfest, fans could witness a thrilling battle filled with knockdowns, momentum swings, and dramatic exchanges.
For Lineker, a victory would establish him as a legitimate contender in kickboxing, adding another accolade to his already impressive career.
For Akimoto, a win over a fighter of Lineker’s caliber would further solidify his reputation as one of the best strikers in the division and potentially earn him another title shot.
Also Read: The Inspiring Journey Of Hiroki Akimoto, Early Beginnings, Educational Pursuits And More
Hiroki Akimoto: Joins Elite Lineup of Strikers at ONE 172
ONE 172: A Martial Arts Extravaganza
ONE Championship is set to kick off 2025 in spectacular fashion with ONE 172, a stacked fight card featuring some of the world’s most dangerous strikers.
Headlined by the much-anticipated showdown between Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon, this event promises to deliver fireworks.
With multiple world titles on the line and elite competitors across various disciplines, ONE 172 is shaping up to be one of the most significant martial arts spectacles of the year.
The inclusion of Hiroki Akimoto versus John Lineker adds another layer of excitement to this already stacked event. Akimoto, a former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion, brings his dynamic striking and precision to the cage.
On the other hand, Lineker, a former ONE Bantamweight MMA Champion known for his heavy hands and aggressive style, will look to impose his will. This contest pits technical kickboxing against raw knockout power, making it a must-watch bout.
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Takeru vs. Rodtang: A Dream Match for Striking Fans
The main event of the evening is a striking fan’s dream: Takeru Segawa versus Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Both fighters are among the best in their respective striking arts, with Takeru reigning as a kickboxing legend and Rodtang cementing his legacy as a Muay Thai icon.
Their contrasting styles—Takeru’s high-paced, multi-strike combinations versus Rodtang’s relentless pressure and durability—ensure a spectacle for the ages.
Another highlight of ONE 172 is the co-main event between Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Masaaki Noiri. Tawanchai, the reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion, has demonstrated incredible versatility by transitioning between Muay Thai and kickboxing.
Noiri, a highly decorated kickboxer, possesses lightning-fast strikes and elite-level technique. With the interim featherweight kickboxing world title up for grabs, both fighters have everything to fight for.
Hiroki Akimoto: Why ONE 172 is a Must-Watch Event?
ONE 172 is more than just another fight card—it’s a global martial arts celebration featuring the best strikers and combat athletes from around the world.
The event showcases diverse fighting styles, elite-level competition, and multiple championship bouts, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.
With stars like Takeru, Rodtang, Akimoto, Lineker, Tawanchai, Superlek, and more set to compete, fans can expect an unforgettable night of action.
In another thrilling matchup, Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Nabil Anane will battle to unify the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Superlek, known for his impeccable technique and powerful kicks, has established himself as one of the most dominant Muay Thai fighters in the world.
Meanwhile, Nabil Anane, the towering young phenom, brings an unorthodox style that could pose a serious challenge to Superlek. This bout will determine the undisputed king of the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
Jonathan Di Bella vs. Sam-A Gaiyanghadao: A Striker’s Showcase
The interim strawweight kickboxing title will be on the line as Jonathan Di Bella squares off against Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao.
Di Bella’s technical prowess and quick footwork will be tested against the experience and versatility of Sam-A. With both fighters boasting elite striking skills, this contest is expected to be a high-level technical battle.
While ONE 172 is primarily a showcase of striking talent, the vacant flyweight MMA championship will also be decided in a compelling matchup between Adriano Moraes and Yuya Wakamatsu.
Moraes, a submission specialist and former champion, will be looking to reclaim his throne. Wakamatsu, known for his explosive knockout power, will attempt to deny him and claim the flyweight division’s top spot. This fight offers a perfect blend of grappling and striking, ensuring an exciting contest.
Also Read: Wei Rui Outduels Hiroki Akimoto in a Nail-Biting Showdown at ONE Fight Night 22
