Rodtang And Takeru Are Running It Back — And This Time A World Title Is On The Line
Eighty seconds. That was all it took for Rodtang Jitmuangnon to flatten Takeru Segawa at ONE 172 in March 2025, ending what had been billed as one of the most anticipated kickboxing super-fights in history before it had barely begun.
For Takeru, that night in Saitama left unfinished business that no amount of time could settle. Now he gets his answer.
ONE Championship has confirmed that Rodtang and Takeru will meet again, this time with the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title at stake, headlining the inaugural ONE Samurai 1 on April 29 at Tokyo’s historic Ariake Arena.
The first fight ended in circumstances that left both camps with questions. A single left hook from Rodtang caught Takeru flush, the Japanese icon crumpled, and the referee waved it off before the crowd had fully processed what had happened. The dream matchup the combat sports world had waited years for was over in an instant.
Takeru refused to let that be the final word. He returned to the Ariake Arena at ONE 173 last November and delivered a commanding second-round TKO over Denis Puric — a performance that silenced any suggestion his best days were behind him and made the case for exactly this rematch.
Rodtang arrives on the back of a 17-2 promotional record and a staggering 274-43 career mark, his status as one of the most terrifying strikers on the planet firmly intact. His forward pressure, iron chin, and one-punch knockout power make him a nightmare at close range, and he’s already proven he can end this fight at any moment.
But this rematch carries a weight the first encounter never had. Takeru has since confirmed that April 29 will be the final fight of his legendary career — a 45-5 record and three K-1 world titles in his wake, all of it culminating in one last night in Tokyo.
For Rodtang, it’s the chance to close the chapter for good. For Takeru, it’s redemption, a world title, and a farewell on his own terms.
Tokyo will be watching.
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