ONE 172 Thriller: Rodtang Stuns Takeru in Epic Japan Showdown That Has MMA World Buzzing

The Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo erupted Sunday night as ONE Championship delivered what might be the most electrifying combat sports moment of 2024. In a clash that had fight fans worldwide on the edge of their seats, Muay Thai phenom Rodtang Jitmuangnon faced off against Japanese kickboxing legend Takeru Segawa in a battle that more than lived up to its massive hype.

I’ve covered hundreds of fights in my career, but what went down at ONE 172 was something special. This wasn’t just a fight – it was a statement about what happens when two striking masterminds collide with everything on the line.

Rodtang vs. Takeru: The Striking Superfight Japan Has Been Waiting For

The atmosphere inside Saitama Super Arena was unlike anything I’ve experienced. When Takeru made his walk to the ring – his first appearance under the ONE banner after dominating in K-1 – the crowd noise hit decibel levels that had press row checking their eardrums.

But it was Rodtang, Thailand’s “Iron Man,” who proved why he’s considered one of the most dangerous strikers on the planet. From the opening bell, both men exchanged with terrifying intensity, neither willing to take a backward step in a firefight that had viewers worldwide holding their breath.

Technical Brilliance Meets Raw Aggression

What made this contest special wasn’t just the volume of strikes – it was the calculated violence both men brought to the table. Takeru’s precision was on full display early, landing crisp combinations that would have dropped lesser fighters. But Rodtang’s legendary chin and pressure-based approach gradually wore down the Japanese hero.

By the third round, Rodtang’s devastating leg kicks had visibly compromised Takeru’s movement. The Thai star sensed blood in the water and unleashed a barrage that forced the referee to step in, sending the Thai contingent in the crowd into absolute pandemonium.

“I respect Takeru so much, but tonight was my night,” Rodtang told ONE commentator Mitch Chilson in the post-fight interview. “I promised my fans something special in Japan, and I hope I delivered.”

Fan Reactions: Social Media Explodes After ONE 172 Main Event

Within minutes of the stoppage, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from fighters and celebrities alike. UFC bantamweight champ Sean O’Malley tweeted: “Rodtang is not human. Period.” Meanwhile, Thai boxing legend Buakaw Banchamek posted a simple flame emoji that perfectly captured the moment.

What’s perhaps most impressive about Rodtang’s victory is the context – Takeru entered this fight with an almost mythical status in Japan, having compiled a staggering 41-1 record in kickboxing. This wasn’t just another win for Rodtang; it was an emphatic announcement that his striking prowess transcends rule sets.

What’s Next for Rodtang and ONE Championship?

The obvious question now is: Where does Rodtang go from here? At just 26 years old, the Thai superstar has cemented himself as one of the most marketable combat sports athletes in Asia. ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong hinted at possible crossover fights, including a rematch with Demetrious Johnson under mixed rules.

But the immediate aftermath is clear – ONE’s gamble on hosting a major event in Japan has paid off spectacularly. The promotion delivered a main event that lived up to every ounce of hype and will likely serve as a cornerstone moment in their continued global expansion.

Beyond the Main Event: ONE 172’s Impact on Combat Sports

While Rodtang vs. Takeru rightfully stole the headlines, the entire ONE 172 card delivered in spectacular fashion. The promotion’s multi-discipline approach continues to differentiate it from competitors, offering MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling all in one night.

For fight fans in Tokyo, this event represented something of a full-circle moment. Japan was once the epicenter of combat sports innovation during the PRIDE FC era, and ONE’s successful foray into the market suggests there’s still tremendous appetite for high-level fights presented with the theatrical flair that Japanese audiences appreciate.

The Bottom Line

In a combat sports landscape that sometimes struggles to deliver on massive expectations, Rodtang vs. Takeru at ONE 172 was that rare unicorn – a fight that somehow exceeded its enormous hype. As the MMA world continues to digest what transpired in Saitama, one thing is certain: we witnessed something special that will be referenced for years to come.

What did you think of Rodtang’s performance? Is he now the undisputed pound-for-pound best striker in ONE Championship? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Source: Vox Media