‘I’m A Perfectionist’ – Marat Grigorian Dissects Gutsy Win Over Rukiya Anpo, Eyes Superbon At ONE 175
Armenian striking icon Marat Grigorian left Tokyo’s Ariake Arena with his hand raised in victory, but more importantly, with his World Title dreams alive and burning brighter than ever.
The three-time Kickboxing World Champion overcame Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo via unanimous decision in their featherweight kickboxing showdown at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which aired live via global pay-per-view on Sunday, November 16.
The 34-year-old systematically broke down Anpo with punishing body shots, crisp head punches, and stiff leg kicks across three rounds of action, showcasing the technical brilliance and intelligence that have defined his career.
He promised to bring hell after their heated exchanges leading up to the spectacle, where words were said and tensions boiled over. Grigorian’s execution inside the Japanese capital was textbook. More importantly, he had the last laugh.
The Armenian told onefc.com:
“The game plan was to pressure him, break his rhythm, and stay in control. And that’s exactly what happened.”
Despite the fiercely competitive bout and the succeeding victory, which improved his record to 69-14, Grigorian emerged from the bout with nothing but respect for Anpo’s toughness and fighting spirit.
Many have crumbled under the intense power that the Hemmers Gym affiliate brings every time he steps into the ring. From hooks, uppercuts, and overhands, the Armenian makes enemies pay when he sees the slightest opening.
Anpo proved tougher than most, though. The 30-year-old former K-1 Champion absorbed heavy shots throughout the contest. But he never stopped pressing forward, embodying the trademark Japanese warrior mentality.
Grigorian shared:
“His toughness definitely has my respect. Even though he came in heavier, he showed heart. Japanese athletes are known for that, and he proved it. He took some hard shots and kept trying. Respect to him.”
For many, a dominant unanimous decision victory in hostile territory would be cause for celebration. But Grigorian isn’t like most fighters.
He sees details that could be sharpened — minor adjustments that could elevate his game even further.
The two-time former ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title challenger added:
“I was satisfied with my performance, but I always feel there’s room to improve. I’m a perfectionist. Even in a strong performance like this, I see details I can sharpen.
“I can always be sharper, add more volume in certain moments, tighten my combinations, and maybe push forward more when the openings are there.”
Marat Grigorian Eyes Superbon World Title Showdown At ONE 175
With Superbon securing his status as the undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion in the main event of ONE 173 against interim titleholder Masaaki Noiri, the path forward for Marat Grigorian has never been clearer.
The Armenian striker wants to add a fourth chapter to his rivalry with the Thai icon, and he wants the fight to happen when the world’s largest martial arts organization returns to Japan next year. ONE 175 was recently confirmed for Ariake Arena on Tuesday, April 28.
The 34-year-old declared:
“I’d love to be part of that card. Superbon is the fight I want. Doing it in Tokyo would be perfect — big names, big energy. I’m ready whenever. April 28 would be perfect.
“Fighting in Japan is always special. I felt that same electricity again at ONE 173. It was just as exciting as I always remembered it to be.”
The history between Grigorian and Superbon makes this potential fourth battle inside the Circle one of kickboxing’s most compelling matchups. They’ve fought twice on the global stage, with Superbon claiming unanimous decision victories on both occasions.
Notably, their first fight outside ONE in 2018 saw the Hemmers Gym representative knock out the Thai superstar in just 29 seconds.
While Grigorian’s professional focus remains laser-locked on Superbon’s crown, there’s another quest that’s been occupying his thoughts — finding the love of his life. In fact, the Armenian wonders if fate has more in store for him in the Japanese capital beyond just kickboxing glory.
He concluded:
“Maybe it’s time I find my partner. But, really, for now, I’m focused on the next fight, but who knows, maybe she’s somewhere in Japan.”
