‘He Was Emotional’ – Marat Grigorian Fans The Flames In Heated Exchange With Rukiya Anpo
Multi-time kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian is ready to trade more than just words with Japanese star Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo when the two meet in an important featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16.
The Armenian veteran took part in a heated verbal exchange with the promotional newcomer during the ONE 173 press conference last week, after their highly anticipated bout was confirmed for the star-studded card at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Anpo, a former three-time K-1 Champion, took shots at Grigorian for badly missing weight in his last fight. “Demolition Man” even went so far as to describe the former ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title challenger as a one-dimensional fighter.
Dressed in a grey tuxedo, Grigorian tried to respond with the same amount of gusto, but he knows that what he does inside the Circle will speak louder than mere words:
“I stayed calm. He tried to talk, but I would have preferred not to talk that much. For me, I’m ready for war. I’m always ready for a war. I am here to fight, not to talk.”
As a veteran with almost two decades of fight experience under his belt, the Hemmers Gym representative has seen every type of pre-fight psychology imaginable. At this point, nothing fazes him, not even Anpo’s mind games.
Grigorian views the Japanese fighter’s outburst as nothing more than nerves, with Anpo making his debut in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
The 34-year-old told onefc.com:
“I wasn’t surprised by his comments. That’s what he does. That’s his style. Of course, he is hyped for his debut, but that doesn’t change anything.
“In my eyes, he was emotional. I’m just focused. He can talk. I’ll do my talking in the ring. That is the best way for fighters to back their words.”
Just as he had always done in the past, Grigorian doesn’t just plan on continuing to fan the flames of their budding rivalry verbally, but rather physically.
The hard-hitting Armenian striker has used his unforgiving fists to build a reputation as one of the most fearsome knockout artists in the sport, with more than half of his 68 career victories ending in highlight-reel fashion.
When the Circle door closes on November 16, Grigorian vows to put a full stop to their war of words the only way he knows how:
“Of course, that confrontation gives me extra motivation — I’m coming sharper than ever. I’m going in at 110 percent for this one. I see a knockout.”
Grigorian Reminds Anpo That ONE Is On A Different Level
ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri told his former adversary Rukiya Anpo that fighting on the global stage against the world’s best isn’t going to be easy.
Marat Grigorian was quick to echo those sentiments. The Armenian believes the pressure of performing in ONE Championship will be unlike anything Anpo has experienced before, even with his extensive K-1 background:
“This is his first fight in ONE, and this is a big arena. The pressure will be really heavy for him. This ONE Championship stage is different.”
While Grigorian points out the challenges that may await the “Demolition Man” at ONE 173, he will not, however, underestimate what the Japanese fighter brings to their highly anticipated collision.
Game recognizes game, after all. While the respect between competitors is genuine, so too is Grigorian’s threat to bring a world of pain to Anpo when the first bell rings.
The 34-year-old is looking to face the winner of the evening’s main event — a ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title unification bout between reigning king Superbon and interim titleholder Noiri. Beating Anpo will serve as the perfect way for Grigorian to make his case known.
He shared:
“He’s good, strong, and a former champ. I will welcome him to ONE. I was also a former K-1 Champion like him.
“But this is a very important fight for me. I want everyone to know I’m the main man in this division. I want to show I’m above all of them.”
