Akimoto Vs. Lineker And 3 New Japanese Signings Confirmed For ONE 172 On March 23
ONE’s blockbuster return to Japan is fast approaching, and the organization has announced the addition of four must-watch fights.
Topped by a monumental flyweight kickboxing super-fight, ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang goes down on March 23 at Saitama Super Arena. At a recent press conference for the event today in Japan, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong confirmed more high-profile matchups, each featuring a top Japanese talent.
After a trio of thrilling Muay Thai fights, former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John “Hands of Stone” Lineker will test himself in kickboxing when he goes toe-to-toe with former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Hiroki Akimoto.
Lineker has long been considered one of MMA’s hardest pound-for-pound punchers, so his wildly entertaining 2-1 run in Muay Thai came as little surprise. The fearless Brazilian brawler will now face his most accomplished striking opponent yet in Akimoto.
The 32-year-old Japanese superstar claimed the bantamweight kickboxing belt back in 2022 but has since dropped three closely contested fights.
A master technician with well-rounded skills and a seemingly endless gas tank, Akimoto will be motivated to put on a show for his home crowd, bounce back to his winning ways, and begin his climb back toward 26 pounds of gold.
In featherweight kickboxing action, decorated Armenian slugger Marat Grigorian will look to give a rude welcome to ONE newcomer Kaito Ono.
A former three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion renowned for his show-stopping punching power, Grigorian has challenged for kickboxing gold three times in ONE and hopes to keep his World Title aspirations alive with a win over the Japanese star.
Kaito, however, has other plans.
After racking up numerous prestigious titles across Japan, the 27-year-old striker will come into his much-celebrated ONE debut on a five-fight winning streak, in the peak of his career, and motivated to make waves on the global stage.
Nadaka Yoshinari might be Japan’s best current Muay Thai fighter, and he’ll now pursue ONE Championship glory. The 24-year-old phenom will debut against Thai hero Rak Erawan in an explosive strawweight Muay Thai contest.
Yoshinari’s trophy case is bursting at the seams. He is a former WBC and WMC Muay Thai World Champion, as well as the current Rajadamnern Muay Thai World Champion, and hasn’t tasted defeat since 2019.
He aims to keep his momentum going and defend his home turf against the hard-hitting Rak, who has impressed fans with his savage finishing abilities and all-action approach to combat through eight appearances at ONE Friday Fights.
Finally, 23-year-old rising star Ryusei Kumagai will make his global debut against Thailand’s Suriyanlek Por Yenying in a 132-pound catchweight kickboxing clash.
An explosive athlete and a dangerous knockout artist, Ryusei has lost just one time in his career and has all the physical tools needed to win a ONE World Title.
He’s been given no easy task in his promotional debut. Suriyanlek is a battle-tested veteran of the elite Muay Thai scene, known for his ultra-aggressive style and granite chin. Ryusei hopes to announce himself as two-sport threat in his first kickboxing fight in ONE.
Check onefc.com for more news and announcements about ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23.
