ONE Championship: much-awaited fight between Takeru, Rodtang already locked in, says CEO
The Japanese kickboxer and Thai Muay Thai veteran have a deal, says Chatri Sityodtong, but they have to win their respective fights first
When Takeru Segawa first signed with ONE Championship in early 2023, everyone assumed he would be facing Rodtang Jitmuangnon first. It was the fight the promotion wanted to see, but more than a year later, fans are still waiting for the two to face off.
The bout was booked for ONE 165 in January but Rodtang withdrew because of an arm injury. He was replaced by Superlek Kiatmoo9, who beat Takeru convincingly in Tokyo, and the Japanese fighter has not competed since.
Takeru is scheduled to fight Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81 this week while Rodtang will face Jacob Smith at ONE 169 in November.
Takeru was a kickboxing star with K-1 while Rodtang is a Muay Thai veteran. The fight, which is almost certain to take place under the former ruleset, pits two stars from different sports against each other and has been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation.
With their schedules so closely aligned, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong was asked whether the two might finally meet.
