‘Let Him Daydream For Now’ – Rukiya Anpo Shrugs Off Marat Grigorian’s Warnings Ahead Of ONE 173 Clash
Former three-time K-1 Champion Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo refuses to flinch in the face of one of kickboxing’s most decorated veterans.
The Japanese sensation remains supremely confident despite facing three-time Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri in a featherweight clash at Tokyo’s iconic Ariake Arena.
Their upcoming battle won’t happen until November 16, yet the fireworks have already begun. The tension has been brewing since the ONE 173 Tokyo Press conference last month, where both men traded verbal shots in a heated exchange.
The atmosphere was palpable. They looked ready to throw down.
Anpo struck first, dismissing the Armenian veteran as predictable and one-dimensional. Those words cut deep, getting under the skin of the typically composed Grigorian in ways few opponents have managed.
The Hemmers Gym representative responded with venom, vowing to break Anpo both mentally and physically inside the Circle. But the 29-year-old Japanese star shrugged off the threats with calm confidence.
“Demolition Man” recently told onefc.com:
“Well, just train. Grigorian said he will destroy me mentally and physically, but I will just dominate in every way. Let him daydream for now.”
Anpo holds significant physical advantages with his towering 6-foot frame providing length and reach to control distance. His elite punch combinations even dazzled the legendary Manny Pacquiao in their exhibition match.
Holding his own against boxing royalty gave the Osaka native unshakeable confidence. He believes he has the blueprint to neutralize Grigorian’s relentless forward pressure that has terrorized the featherweight division for years.
Rather than backing away, Anpo plans to meet fire with fire. He’s convinced his more complex arsenal will dismantle the Armenian’s straightforward attack:
“I’m better in all aspects. I believe I’m better than Grigorian. Even though Marat comes forward with aggression, I will not run away. I will face it forward.
“As I said in the press conference, Grigorian has one pattern. He has no options in his fight style. That’s something I can do [well].”
Despite the bad blood, Anpo respects Grigorian’s legendary career. The 34-year-old former ONE World Title challenger brings devastating knockout power and nearly two decades of elite competition.
The promotional debutant shared:
“There’s no pressure. It’s just so exciting because when I made my professional kickboxing debut, that’s when Marat was dominating in other organizations. He’s the first 70kg Champion in K-1 as well.
“Marat is the one who showed me that a human can be that strong. I’m just so honored and excited to fight such a legend.”
Anpo Must Conquer Grigorian To Reach His True Target
Rukiya Anpo carries a painful wound that refuses to heal. His devastating loss to ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri still haunts him.
The two elite strikers met in the K-1 Grand Prix Final in September 2021. Anpo dominated early before Noiri stormed back for a stunning TKO victory.
Anpo hasn’t forgiven himself for falling short. The disappointment and regret from that night drove him to the world’s largest martial arts organization, seeking redemption.
The former K-1 Lightweight Champion revealed:
“When I lost to someone like Noiri, I was humiliated. I was so frustrated. But that feeling made me stronger and do better, you know? That experience brought me to ONE Championship.”
Fate has put these two warriors on a collision course once again. Noiri will face reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon for the undisputed crown in the main event of ONE 173.
Meanwhile, Anpo’s full focus remains locked on Grigorian. He won’t get ahead of himself, though he’ll keep a close eye on the headliner. As for what comes next, Anpo prefers to let his performance do the talking.
The MFL team CLUB es representative stated:
“That’s something that ONE Championship or the fans will decide. I will not ask for a title fight immediately. Whatever ONE Championship thinks, I will accept. I will just beat whoever is in front of me.”
The pressure of fighting on home soil is immense, but Anpo thrives on it. His devoted fans expect something special, and he refuses to disappoint.
“Demolition Man” is done talking. It’s time to prove every promise through action and announce his arrival on the global stage.
Anpo declared:
“I want to give the fans what they deserve. Because my fans’ expectations are very high. I have to deliver what fans expect. I’m ready to become a ONE Championship superstar. Like I said, I will be the main character of this [organization].”
