5 Things To Know About Japanese Star Rukiya Anpo Ahead Of ONE 173
Japanese striking sensation Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo is ready to step foot on the global stage, and he’s looking to leave a lasting impression in his ONE Championship debut against former ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title challenger Marat Grigorian.
The two will square off in an important three-round featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, live from the iconic Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The 29-year-old will be looking to showcase the world-class skills that have made him a crossover phenomenon in martial arts.
Anpo carries an electrifying charisma and menacing swagger that captivates audiences in every arena he enters.
A former K-1 Super Lightweight Champion, Anpo also reached the 2021 K-1 Welterweight Grand Prix Final, where he fell short against current ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri.
Before “Demolition Man” steps into the Circle for the very first time on one of the most significant combat sports events of the year, let’s take a look at the origin story of “Demolition Man.”
#1 His Father Taught Him What Being A Martial Artist Means
Long before Rukiya Anpo terrorized opponents in K-1, he carved his path through the unforgiving world of Kyokushin Karate. Anpo and his brother trained relentlessly from a young age, their dedication so remarkable that they were hailed as prodigies.
But despite his natural physical gifts, young Anpo faltered when it mattered most. He was always the bridesmaid, never the bride – second place at world tournaments and Japan’s most prestigious competitions. For years, the win-loss pattern haunted him.
Then came the conversation that changed everything.
His father saw what was missing. The young talent was undeniable, but Anpo wasn’t giving everything he had. That frank heart-to-heart talk stripped away every excuse.
Years later, even as K-1 champion, Anpo knew his father was right. Talent got him there. But those words permeated his psyche and gave him something greater – the desire to be the best.
#2 He Fought Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao
Some opportunities only come once in a lifetime.
For Rukiya Anpo, that moment arrived at Super RIZIN 3 in July 2024, when he stepped into the ring to stand across the only eight-division World Champion in boxing history — living legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.
Before 48,117 fans at Saitama Super Arena, the towering Japanese striker used his reach advantage to land clean shots against the Filipino icon.
Though it was merely an exhibition match that ended in a draw, Anpo’s performance turned heads worldwide. He went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest to ever do it and never backed down.
But the real victory was what that moment unlocked. That experience transformed Anpo’s entire approach to his craft. It altered his mindset.
“Demolition Man” shared:
“When I got the fight offer to face [Manny] Pacquiao, I changed my mindset. I became the kind of person who does everything, who follows the rules, and who shows effort to get the achievement. That experience and environment made me so confident.”
#3 He’s An Aspiring DJ
When Rukiya Anpo isn’t bashing heads in with his fists, he’s spinning beats behind the deck and making heads roll in the club.
Between fight camps, “Demolition Man” immerses himself in Tokyo’s electric party scene, occasionally moonlighting as a DJ.
It’s a side of the Japanese star most fans never see – the artist behind the warrior, painting his masterpiece with every track.
The DJ booth captures Anpo’s carefree soul. Where some fighters find peace in meditation, he finds his zen in bass drops and remixes. He keeps a turntable at home, perfecting transitions the same way he perfects his combinations.
Right now, it’s passion more than profession. But Anpo already sees his future beyond fighting. When he hangs up his gloves, becoming a DJ is most certainly what he wants to do next.
The Japanese star revealed:
“[I’m a] party boy. I also have a DJ set. Now, I’m really focusing on the fight training, but when I’m tired, I use this to [unwind]. After retirement, I want to be a famous DJ.”
#4 He’s A YouTube Content Creator With A Strong Following
In an era where branding matters, Rukiya Anpo understands the game better than most.
The 29-year-old has built a massive online following through his YouTube channel, where nearly 700,000 subscribers get intimate access to his journey as a fighter, and an inside look into his life.
Since launching in 2020, Anpo has opened the doors to his world – training footage, day to day tasks, even some of his quirks. But it’s more than just content. It’s a deep connection with his fans.
While some fighters keep fans at arm’s length, Anpo invites them in. His vlogs bridge the gap between elite martial artist and human, showing the grind, the humor, and the moments that never make the highlight reels.
For the Japanese star, building his brand isn’t about ego. It’s about understanding that fans deserve authenticity. Every upload reinforces what he’s always believed — that people make this sport, and they deserve to be part of the story.
#5 He’s All About Giving Fans A Good Show
Rukiya Anpo didn’t come to the world’s largest martial arts organization just to win. He came to rewrite what it means to be a fighter.
At the ONE 173 press conference in Tokyo, “Demolition Man” brought a different energy. He delivered bravado, swagger, and a willingness to push boundaries. It wasn’t reckless — it was intentional.
For Anpo, stepping into the Circle means more than victory. Fans invest their time, money, and emotions. He believes they deserve a spectacle.
He’s both warrior and entertainer, a man of the people giving the audience what they came for. Anpo’s “main character” persona isn’t arrogance. It’s a promise that when he fights, something spectacular will happen.
He believes fighting is entertainment — and that requires being larger than life.
Anpo explained:
“Just winning is not enough. We are professional fighters. We’re supposed to provide fun and make them excited. I have to show a good fight, and we bring in the new fun.”
