Takeru Segawa’s journey is a testament to the spirit of a true martial artist. His loss to Superlek may have been a painful setback, but it ultimately became a stepping stone toward greater success
By embracing the lessons of defeat and using them as motivation, he has proven that resilience and determination are the keys to greatness.
His legacy as one of kickboxing’s finest is still being written, and fans can expect nothing less than fireworks in his future battles.
ONE 172 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting combat sports events of the year. With Takeru Segawa vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon headlining the card and Superlek Kiatmoo9 defending his bantamweight Muay Thai world title in a unification bout against Nabil Anane, the night promises to deliver unforgettable action.
For Japanese fight fans, this event is a celebration of martial arts excellence, featuring homegrown talent and international superstars.
Whether you’re a longtime combat sports enthusiast or a casual viewer, ONE 172 is an event not to be missed. On March 23, the world will be watching as these warriors step into the spotlight, ready to make history in the heart of Japan.
Also Read: Rodtang Roars: Long-Awaited Showdown with Takeru Segawa on the Horizon
Table of Contents
Takeru Segawa: Journey Through Defeat and Redemption
The Rise of a Japanese Kickboxing Icon
Takeru Segawa is one of Japan’s most celebrated kickboxers, known for his explosive power, technical precision, and relentless fighting spirit.1
From his early days in K-1 to becoming a multi-division champion, Takeru built a reputation as an unstoppable force in the sport.
With multiple world titles under his belt, his transition to ONE Championship was one of the most anticipated moves in combat sports.
However, his debut in the promotion would prove to be one of the most challenging moments of his illustrious career.
最後は気合い。
残り３週間半
絶対勝つ。 pic.twitter.com/Xqsr97Sw9r— 武尊 takeru (@takerusegawa) February 25, 2025
Facing the Ultimate Test: Takeru vs. Superlek
In January 2023, Takeru made his much-awaited ONE Championship debut in Japan.
His opponent, Superlek Kiatmoo9, was already a dominant force in the flyweight kickboxing division, known for his devastating kicks and tactical precision.
The bout between the two legends was a high-stakes clash, with Takeru aiming to claim the flyweight kickboxing gold and cement his status as a world-class fighter beyond Japan.
The fight was nothing short of spectacular. Both fighters showcased elite-level striking, trading powerful combinations and countering each other’s attacks.
Despite Takeru’s aggressive forward pressure, Superlek’s composure and well-timed counters allowed him to control crucial moments of the fight.
After five hard-fought rounds, Superlek emerged victorious by decision, handing Takeru a tough loss in his ONE Championship debut.
Takeru Segawa: Defeat That Cut Deep
Losing is part of a fighter’s journey, but for Takeru, the loss to Superlek felt different.2
In an interview with ONE Championship, he expressed the emotional toll it took on him:
“I felt like I had died after my loss to Superlek. I won’t sugarcoat how devastating it felt.”
This candid admission revealed how much the fight meant to him. As a fighter who had built his career on dominance and resilience, falling short on such a grand stage in front of his hometown fans was a bitter pill to swallow.
For months, Takeru wrestled with the disappointment, questioning what went wrong and how he could bounce back stronger.
The Road to Redemption
True champions are defined not by their defeats but by how they respond to them. After taking time to process the loss, Takeru refocused his energy on improving his game.
He went back to the drawing board, analyzing his weaknesses, refining his striking techniques, and pushing himself harder than ever in training.
One key aspect he worked on was his defensive strategy. While his aggressive style had brought him success in the past, it also left him open to counters—something Superlek exploited masterfully.
Takeru and his team dedicated months to enhancing his defensive awareness, footwork, and ability to adapt mid-fight.
Takeru Segawa’s New Mindset
Takeru’s comeback victory was more than just another win on his record—it symbolized his growth as a fighter.3
Reflecting on his journey, he embraced the lessons learned from his defeat and used them to fuel his resurgence.
Rather than dwelling on the past, he focused on continuous improvement. He acknowledged that losses, while painful, are invaluable learning experiences that shape a fighter’s career.
With this mindset, he now approaches each fight with a blend of confidence and humility, knowing that even in the face of adversity, greatness can still be achieved.
Takeru’s return to the ring came in September 2023, as he faced rising Burmese star Thant Zin in a flyweight kickboxing bout. Many fans and analysts were eager to see how he would perform after his tough loss.
Would he still be the relentless powerhouse they had known, or would the defeat linger in his mind?
What’s Next for Takeru Segawa?
With his confidence restored, Takeru has his sights set on another shot at gold in ONE Championship.
While the loss to Superlek remains a defining moment in his career, he is determined to earn a rematch and prove that he has evolved into an even greater fighter.
Potential matchups with other elite kickboxers in the division, such as Rodtang Jitmuangnon or Jonathan Haggerty, could provide thrilling encounters that further solidify his legacy.
Fans eagerly await his next move, anticipating another electrifying performance from the Japanese warrior.
The answer came swiftly. Takeru delivered a dominant performance, showcasing his refined skills and renewed hunger for victory.
From the opening bell, he controlled the pace, landing precise combinations and avoiding unnecessary damage.
In the second round, he unleashed a perfectly timed knockout blow, securing a decisive victory and sending a clear message that he was back with a vengeance.
Also Read: Takeru Segawa Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth And More
Takeru and Superlek Headline ONE 172 in Japan
ONE Championship Returns to Saitama Super Arena
- ONE Championship is set to make a grand return to Japan with ONE 172 on March 23, hosted at the iconic Saitama Super Arena.
- This event marks the promotion’s second consecutive year bringing elite martial arts action to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun.’
- The highly anticipated fight card features two of the sport’s biggest names, Takeru Segawa and Superlek Kiatmoo9, each facing formidable opponents in separate bouts.
- One of the most awaited matchups of the event sees Japanese kickboxing sensation Takeru Segawa squaring off against Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a flyweight kickboxing battle.
- This bout, which serves as the main event of ONE 172, has been in the works since Takeru signed with ONE Championship in 2023.
- The showdown was originally scheduled for January last year, but an unfortunate injury to Rodtang delayed their meeting. Now, after months of buildup and anticipation, the two striking icons will finally settle the score in front of a roaring Japanese crowd.
- Takeru, fresh off a victory in his ONE Championship debut, looks to secure back-to-back wins and establish himself as a dominant force in the flyweight division.
- Rodtang, known for his relentless aggression and iron chin, is equally eager to prove that he remains the king of the division.
- With both fighters boasting incredible striking skills, speed, and power, fans can expect an electrifying contest that could go down as one of the greatest kickboxing bouts in recent history.
Superlek Aims to Unify the Bantamweight Muay Thai Championship
In another highly anticipated bout, reigning flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 will defend his bantamweight Muay Thai title in a unification bout against interim champion Nabil Anane.
The fight serves as a rematch between the two after Superlek secured a knockout victory over the young Algerian-Thai phenom in June 2023.
Superlek, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound strikers in the world, has been on an incredible run, securing multiple high-profile wins across kickboxing and Muay Thai.
Holding both the flyweight kickboxing world title and the bantamweight Muay Thai championship simultaneously, he has proven his versatility across combat sports.
Meanwhile, Anane has earned his way back into title contention with a series of impressive performances since his loss to Superlek.
The tall and rangy fighter presents a unique challenge with his reach advantage and technical prowess. If he can adjust his game plan and find a way to neutralize Superlek’s power, he has a real chance of pulling off an upset.
Takeru Segawa: Growing Popularity of ONE Championship in Japan
ONE Championship has been making significant strides in expanding its presence in Japan.
With its unique blend of Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA, the promotion has successfully captured the attention of Japanese fight fans.
The return of ONE 172 to Saitama Super Arena reflects the growing demand for high-caliber martial arts events in the country.
Additionally, the presence of Japanese stars like Takeru only strengthens ONE’s foothold in the region.
By consistently featuring elite-level competition and delivering thrilling fights, the promotion is carving out a significant space in Japan’s rich combat sports landscape.
Takeru Segawa: Training
Takeru Segawa shared his intense workout video on his offcial instagram account to motivate his followers.
View this post on Instagram
Additional Fights to Watch at ONE 172
- Beyond the two headlining matchups, ONE 172 boasts a stacked fight card filled with world-class talent.
- While the full lineup is still being finalized, fans can expect a mix of explosive kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA bouts featuring top-tier competitors from around the globe.
- The event also provides a platform for rising stars to showcase their skills on a global stage.
- With ONE Championship continuously expanding its roster, new and exciting prospects will have the opportunity to make a name for themselves at one of the biggest events of the year.
- With just a few weeks to go until ONE 172, anticipation is at an all-time high. Fans and analysts are already speculating about the outcomes of the marquee matchups, breaking down each fighter’s strengths and weaknesses.
- The buildup to the event has been filled with interviews, promotional content, and training footage, further fueling the excitement surrounding the fight card.
- For the fighters, the final stretch of preparation is crucial. Training camps will be focused on sharpening skills, refining strategies, and ensuring peak physical conditioning.
- With so much on the line, every fighter stepping into the ring on March 23 will be looking to deliver a career-defining performance.
Also Read: Jackie Buntan Reveals Why Takeru Segawa is Finding His New Home at Boxing Works
