ONE 172: Rodtang Vs Takeru A.I. Prediction

The martial arts world is buzzing with anticipation as ONE Championship prepares to host ONE 172 on March 23, 2025, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Headlining this blockbuster event is a five-round flyweight kickboxing superfight between two of the most electrifying strikers on the planet: Thailand’s Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and Japan’s Takeru “The Natural Born Crusher” Segawa.

This clash has been years in the making, with fans clamoring for the matchup ever since Takeru joined ONE Championship in 2023. Now, with both fighters healthy and primed, ONE 172 promises to deliver a striking spectacle that could go down as one of the greatest kickboxing bouts in recent history.

The Road to ONE 172

Rodtang Jitmuangnon, a former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, is a household name in combat sports. With a staggering career record of over 270 wins, the 27-year-old Thai phenom has built a reputation as one of the most relentless and entertaining fighters in the game. Known for his aggressive, forward-pressure style, iron chin, and devastating power, Rodtang has become a fan favorite in ONE Championship since his debut in 2018. His ability to absorb punishment and keep coming forward has earned him the nickname “The Iron Man,” a moniker he lives up to in every outing.

Takeru Segawa, meanwhile, arrives as a kickboxing legend in his own right. The 33-year-old Japanese star is the first-ever three-division K-1 World Champion, having conquered the super bantamweight, featherweight, and super featherweight divisions during a seven-year unbeaten streak that cemented his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Renowned for his technical precision, calculated aggression, and explosive finishing ability, Takeru signed with ONE Championship with one goal in mind: to test himself against the best, starting with Rodtang.

The buildup to this fight has been a rollercoaster. Originally scheduled for ONE 165 in January 2024, the dream matchup was derailed when Rodtang suffered a hand injury during training camp, forcing him to withdraw. Takeru instead faced ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a grueling five-round war, ultimately losing by unanimous decision but earning widespread respect for his heart and skill. Rodtang, sidelined by injury, watched from afar as Takeru made his ONE debut, only intensifying his desire to step into the ring with the Japanese star.

Since then, both fighters have bounced back with impressive victories. Takeru returned at ONE Friday Fights 81 in September 2024, scoring a second-round knockout over Thant Zin with a vicious combination of punches. Rodtang, meanwhile, has notched two straight wins in 2024—first a kickboxing decision over Denis Puric at ONE 167, followed by a Muay Thai victory over Jacob Smith at ONE 169 in November. With both men riding momentum into ONE 172, the stage is set for an epic showdown.

Fighter Profiles and Strengths

Rodtang Jitmuangnon

Rodtang’s fighting style is a perfect blend of aggression, durability, and raw power. Standing at 5’6” with a compact, muscular frame, he thrives in close quarters, where he unleashes a barrage of punches, elbows, and knees. His Muay Thai background gives him an edge in versatility, even under kickboxing rules, as he’s adept at mixing body shots with head-hunting combinations. Rodtang’s signature weapon is his left hook, a thunderous strike that has dropped opponents time and again. His ability to march forward, shrug off damage, and maintain a relentless pace has overwhelmed many a foe.Defensively, Rodtang relies heavily on his granite chin and head movement. He’s not afraid to take a shot to land two of his own, a high-risk, high-reward approach that has served him well against top-tier competition. His cardio is exceptional, allowing him to push the pace for all five rounds, and his mental toughness is unrivaled—he seems to relish the chaos of a firefight. In his most recent outings, he’s shown improved defensive awareness, slipping punches more effectively while still maintaining his trademark pressure.

Takeru Segawa

Takeru, at 5’5”, is a technical marvel. His kickboxing pedigree shines through in his crisp, precise striking and masterful distance management. Unlike Rodtang, who bulldozes his way inside, Takeru prefers to operate at mid-to-long range, where he can pick apart opponents with lightning-fast kicks and combinations. His left roundhouse kick to the body and head is a thing of beauty, delivered with pinpoint accuracy and knockout power. Takeru’s footwork is another standout trait—he dances around the ring, cutting angles and creating openings for his attacks.What sets Takeru apart is his fight IQ. He’s a cerebral fighter who adapts to his opponent’s tendencies, often luring them into traps before unleashing devastating counters. His knockout of Thant Zin showcased his ability to chain punches into kicks seamlessly, a skill that could pose problems for Rodtang. Takeru’s conditioning is also elite, honed over years of high-level K-1 bouts, and he’s proven he can go the distance against the best, as seen in his war with Superlek.

Tactical Breakdown

This matchup pits two contrasting styles against each other: Rodtang’s relentless pressure versus Takeru’s technical finesse. The key to victory for each fighter lies in imposing their game plan while neutralizing the other’s strengths.

Rodtang’s Path to Victory

For Rodtang, the strategy is simple but brutal: close the distance and turn the fight into a brawl. Takeru excels at range, so Rodtang will look to cut off the ring, force the Japanese star against the ropes, and unleash his heavy hands. His left hook to the head and body could be a game-changer, especially if he catches Takeru retreating. Rodtang’s durability will allow him to weather Takeru’s early storm of kicks, and as the fight progresses, his relentless pace could wear Takeru down.Rodtang’s experience in ONE’s smaller 4-ounce gloves—compared to the larger gloves used in K-1—gives him an advantage in generating knockout power. He’ll aim to overwhelm Takeru with volume, targeting the body to sap his opponent’s mobility before going upstairs for the finish. If Rodtang can drag Takeru into deep waters, his superior toughness and aggression might prove decisive.

Takeru’s Path to Victory

Takeru’s success hinges on keeping Rodtang at bay. His footwork and lateral movement will be critical in avoiding Rodtang’s forward march, allowing him to circle and strike from angles. The left roundhouse kick will be Takeru’s primary weapon—landing it to Rodtang’s body could slow the Thai fighter’s advance, while connecting to the head could set up a knockout. Takeru’s jab and teep (push kick) will also play a role in controlling range and disrupting Rodtang’s rhythm.

If Takeru can frustrate Rodtang early, forcing him to overcommit, he might capitalize with counters. His knockout power, particularly with his hands, is underrated, and a well-timed combination could catch Rodtang off guard. Takeru’s ability to stay composed under pressure—demonstrated against Superlek—will be key as he navigates Rodtang’s onslaught.

X-Factors

Several intangibles could sway the outcome. The Saitama crowd, heavily favoring their hometown hero Takeru, might give him an emotional boost, though Rodtang has thrived as the villain in hostile environments like Japan before. Rodtang’s recent injury history is another concern—while he appears fully recovered, any lingering effects could hamper his performance. For Takeru, adapting to Rodtang’s unorthodox pressure after facing the more measured Superlek could be a challenge.

Fight Prediction

This bout is a classic striker’s chess match, with each round building toward a dramatic crescendo. Here’s how I see it unfolding:

Round 1: Takeru starts strong, using his footwork to keep Rodtang at range. He peppers the Thai fighter with jabs and low kicks, landing a few sharp body kicks to test Rodtang’s resolve. Rodtang, unfazed, presses forward but struggles to close the gap, eating counters as he adjusts to Takeru’s speed. Takeru takes the round narrowly.

Round 2: Rodtang finds his footing, cutting off the ring more effectively. He lands a big left hook to Takeru’s body, forcing the Japanese star to retreat. Takeru responds with a flurry of punches, but Rodtang walks through them, clipping Takeru with an uppercut late in the round. Rodtang edges it with pressure and damage.

Round 3: The fight heats up as both men exchange in the pocket. Takeru lands a beautiful head kick that rocks Rodtang, but “The Iron Man” shakes it off and fires back with a vicious combination. The crowd erupts as the pace intensifies, with Rodtang’s body work starting to slow Takeru’s movement. It’s a razor-close round, but Takeru’s cleaner strikes might sway the judges.

Round 4: Rodtang’s relentless pressure begins to tell. He traps Takeru against the ropes, unloading hooks and uppercuts. Takeru fights back with heart, landing a counter right hand, but his legs are fading from the body shots. Rodtang’s cardio shines as he pours it on, taking the round convincingly.

Round 5: Sensing the fight slipping away, Takeru digs deep for a knockout. He lands a flurry of kicks and punches, staggering Rodtang momentarily. But Rodtang, true to his nickname, marches forward, absorbing the punishment and answering with a barrage of his own. In the final minute, Rodtang floors Takeru with a left hook to the liver, and though Takeru beats the count, the bell saves him from further damage.

Outcome: Rodtang wins by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46). His ability to close the distance, punish the body, and outlast Takeru in a war of attrition proves the difference. Takeru’s technical brilliance keeps it competitive, but Rodtang’s durability and aggression carry him to victory in front of a stunned Saitama crowd.This fight has all the makings of an instant classic—a clash of styles, wills, and legacies that will leave fans talking for years to come. March 23 can’t come soon enough