Striking Greats Rodtang And Takeru Trade Shots, Talk About Potential Rematch

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Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Japanese legend Takeru Segawa are arguably the most skilled and charismatic strikers of this generation. When the two collided earlier this year, "The Iron Man's" knockout of "Natural Born Krusher" stunned the combat sports world.

The five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight ended in just 80 seconds. Fans would have loved to see them trade leather at each other for all five rounds, but fate had other plans.

Since that day, many martial arts fans and pundits have been calling for a rematch between the two. Now, Rodtang has taken to social media to challenge Takeru once again.

"That fight was probably too soon. But if you're interested, I'm ready to give you a rematch - any rules, any format, I'm ready," Rodtang said hinting that he is open to fight under any rule set.

The former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion feels confident challenging his Japanese foe, having defeated the Team Vasileus megastar with a powerful left hook. During the recent ONE 173 official press conference, Takeru was quick to respond to his opponent's callout.

"I'd like to say that I'm very ready now, but I'm actually not in a position to make this proposal at the moment. But I saw that Rodtang made a comment on his social media. He said he is ready," Takeru said.

"And I also heard from some people from ONE Championship that maybe, what if, what would be a good idea, maybe like a boxing or like open fingers, or even like just a fist-fight directly, what would you do?"

ONE Championship recently announced the headliners for its return to Japan this November. ONE 173 is set to take place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on 16 November. The 33-year-old is excited for this event and is planning to settle the score with his arch-nemesis.

"I'm looking forward to be a part of this as well in the future," Takeru said. "ONE Championship made me decide that I want to continue fighting, and I want to get my revenge on Rodtang. This is the one I'm thinking about right now."