Marat Grigorian Eyes Superbon World Title Shot At ONE 175
Marat Grigorian left Tokyo’s Ariake Arena with his hand raised in victory after systematically breaking down Rukiya Anpo via unanimous decision at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16, yet the three-time Kickboxing World Champion emerged from his featherweight kickboxing showcase more focused on details requiring sharpening than celebrating his dominant performance against the Japanese warrior.
The 34-year-old Armenian executed his game plan with textbook precision across three rounds, delivering punishing body shots, crisp head punches, and stiff leg kicks that showcased the technical brilliance and intelligence defining his career. That controlled dismantling followed heated exchanges during fight week where words were said and tensions boiled over, yet Grigorian had the last laugh inside the Japanese capital.
“The game plan was to pressure him, break his rhythm, and stay in control. And that’s exactly what happened,” Grigorian said.
Anpo proved tougher than most opponents who’ve crumbled under the intense power the Hemmers Gym affiliate brings through hooks, uppercuts, and overhands. The 30-year-old former K-1 Champion absorbed heavy shots throughout the contest yet never stopped pressing forward, embodying the trademark Japanese warrior mentality that earned Grigorian’s respect despite their pre-fight animosity.
“His toughness definitely has my respect. Even though he came in heavier, he showed heart. Japanese athletes are known for that, and he proved it. He took some hard shots and kept trying. Respect to him,” Grigorian said.
The dominant victory improved Grigorian’s record to 69-14, yet instead of celebration, the perfectionist sees minor adjustments that could elevate his game further. Where others would find satisfaction in hostile territory triumph, the Armenian identifies details requiring refinement.
“I was satisfied with my performance, but I always feel there’s room to improve. I’m a perfectionist. Even in a strong performance like this, I see details I can sharpen,” Grigorian said. “I can always be sharper, add more volume in certain moments, tighten my combinations, and maybe push forward more when the openings are there.”
That perfectionist mindset fuels his pursuit of Superbon, who secured undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship status in ONE 173’s main event against interim titleholder Masaaki Noiri. The Armenian striker wants adding a fourth chapter to his rivalry with the Thai icon at ONE 175 inside Ariake Arena on April 28, 2026.
The history between Grigorian and Superbon makes this potential battle one of kickboxing’s most compelling matchups. They’ve fought twice on ONE’s global stage, with Superbon claiming unanimous decision victories on both occasions, though their first fight outside ONE in 2018 saw the Hemmers Gym representative knock out the Thai superstar in just 29 seconds.
“I’d love to be part of that card. Superbon is the fight I want. Doing it in Tokyo would be perfect — big names, big energy. I’m ready whenever. April 28 would be perfect,” Grigorian said. “Fighting in Japan is always special. I felt that same electricity again at ONE 173. It was just as exciting as I always remembered it to be.”
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