‘His Biggest Strength And Weakness’ – Kaito Plans To Exploit Marat Grigorian’s Aggression At ONE SAMURAI 1
When an immovable object meets an unstoppable force, something has to break.
That is the dynamic awaiting fans when Japanese kickboxing star Kaito squares off against Armenian Marat Grigorian in a featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Wednesday, April 29.
The contrast in styles could not be more distinct. Grigorian has built a terrifying reputation on suffocating, heavy-handed forward pressure. Kaito operates as a clinical tactician, a lightning-fast sniper who thrives on timing and precision.
Kaito acknowledges his opponent’s power but believes the Armenian’s aggression is a force that can be tamed.
He told onefc.com:
“I think he’s definitely one of the top fighters in the world, and his forward pressure, his physical strength [is dangerous], so I just want to overcome him and win. I think it’s his forward pressure. It’s very intense, and unless I break through that, I don’t think I can win. So I want to break it down.
“Honestly, if I had to say something, that’s really the main point. [His forward pressure is] both his biggest strength and weakness. From round one to round three, my speed, and sharpness, I don’t think Grigorian will be able to keep up with that, so I want to capitalize on those areas.”
Kaito sees a vulnerability within Grigorian’s forward-marching approach. Rather than retreat from the danger, he intends to plant his feet, set the trap, and make his opponent pay for every inch of forward momentum.
He said:
“Marat Grigorian is a very aggressive fighter, and he never stops moving forward. That’s why fans love his style. That is his great strength. But I think that is also his biggest weakness because if he is aggressive against me, I can catch him coming in. I think if he decides to attack, I can meet him in the middle and I can knock him out.”
A tactical, slow-paced affair seems unlikely. Kaito anticipates a firefight from the opening bell and steps into Ariake Arena with a definitive conclusion in mind.
He said:
“I think this fight will be very exciting and I believe our styles match up very well. Of course, I am confident I can beat him. Our styles guarantee an explosive fight, but I am supremely confident in my game plan. I think I will stop him in the second or third rounds. I am going for the knockout.”
Kaito’s Uncrackable Chin Faces Grigorian’s Ultimate Test
If Marat Grigorian manages to close the distance and land his signature power shots, he will test whether Kaito is as durable as advertised.
Despite spending years competing against elite competition, Kaito has never been knocked down or stopped. He is banking on that toughness to carry him through difficult stretches — and it is what makes his high-risk game plan viable.
He said:
“I’m not satisfied with my record. I’ve had nearly 70 fights, and I’ve lost 10. I’m not satisfied with that. But I’ve never been knocked down or knocked out, so I think that’s one of my strengths. What matters most to me is beating truly strong opponents. That’s always been my mindset. Beating the strongest, beating Grigorian — that’s all I’m focused on.”
Defeating Grigorian on home soil at ONE SAMURAI 1 represents more than another victory. For the perfectionist Japanese fighter, it is a necessary step toward validating his own greatness.
He said:
“It will not be easy, but I am going to finish him. I think this will be a very exciting fight, and I think it’s not going to go the distance. It’s going to be a good fight for the fans. But I see myself beating him, and knocking him out.”
