ONE Championship: Japanese Kickboxing Legend Takeru Segawa Eyes Immediate Clash With Rodtang

Add as a preferred source on Google

Since inking a deal with ONE Championship earlier this year, Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa's debut has been one of the most highly anticipated appearances in the promotion's history.

The 31-year-old kickboxing standout's credentials speak for themselves in the combat sports world. And with all previous obligations filled, "Natural Born Crusher's" promotional debut could be on the horizon.

With the next chapter of his career bringing him to the world's largest martial arts organization, there's really only one name on his mind: ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

"The Iron Man" and Segawa have previously traded barbs online, with Rodtang believing Segawa must gain wins in the promotion before earning a World Title opportunity.

The problem, however, is that Segawa wants to go straight for the Thai icon. Rodtang's gold is why Segawa signed with ONE, after all. But whether the two meet sooner rather than later, the collision is bound to be the biggest fight in the history of the striking arts.

"Yes, I am ready. So I want to fight him right away," Segawa said. "My goal remains the same: aiming for the top. I have been saying that I want to prove myself as the best in the world.

"I want to go for the top position. I signed with ONE because there is an opponent I want to fight the most, and that's why I want to fight Rodtang."

Despite the messages that the two have sent back and forth to one another, Segawa doesn't have any ill will toward the formidable Thai striker. Instead, the Japanese megastar sees plenty of things to admire in Rodtang's approach to competition.

Rodtang's fight IQ and his ability to entertain a live crowd are rare traits in the world of combat sports. "The Iron Man" has managed to get inside his opponents' heads with relative ease.

Rodtang's ability to succeed in those facets and walk away victorious almost every time has impressed Segawa. He firmly believes that Rodtang's charm presents a challenge in itself, and that's a test that Segawa wants to put himself up against should the two meet in a massive showdown.

"He is a Muay Thai fighter, but he also has good punches, strong physicality, and technical skills. He is a strong and versatile fighter with a strong mentality," Segawa said.

"In addition to that, he can energize the audience. There aren't many fighters like him in the world. That's Rodtang's strength and charm. That's why I want to surpass him."