An action-packed night at the sold-out Saitama Super Arena concluded with significant results.
Rodtang Secures First Round Knockout Against Takeru
The highly anticipated main event between Rodtang and Takeru ended in a dramatic and swift fashion. After a cautious initial minute, Rodtang cornered Takeru, absorbing a solid right hand without flinching. He immediately retaliated with a sharp left hook that landed perfectly. The Japanese fighter fell backward and, despite his best efforts, couldn`t recover before being counted out by the referee. This marked the first recorded first-round knockout victory in Rodtang`s career.
Noiri Achieves Massive Upset Over Tawanchai
Considered a significant underdog by betting sites, Masaaki Noiri delivered a shocking third-round knockout against Thai superstar Tawanchai. The initial rounds saw back-and-forth action, with Tawanchai initially appearing to have the edge. Noiri employed a strategy targeting his opponent`s legs. In the second round, Tawanchai found his range, landing heavy kicks and quick punches, keeping Noiri on the defensive. However, as the round closed, Noiri landed a heavy right hook with Tawanchai against the ropes, hinting at what was to come.
Sensing his moment in the third round, Noiri increased his pressure. After targeting the body, he went upstairs with a hook, connecting cleanly and sending Tawanchai to the canvas. A relentless follow-up barrage of punches overwhelmed Tawanchai, similar to a previous loss, forcing the referee to stop the fight. With this victory, Noiri claimed the interim belt and is now the top contender to challenge the reigning champion, Superbon.
Jonathan Di Bella Retains His Belt with Dominant Performance
Jonathan Di Bella demonstrated his superior boxing skills throughout five rounds against Sam-A, securing a dominant unanimous decision win. This victory silenced any doubts about his effectiveness against traditional Muay Thai fighters. In a battle of southpaws, Di Bella effectively countered Sam-A`s signature roundhouse kicks and dictated the pace. While Sam-A landed some sharp low kicks and displayed good blocking, Di Bella proved his status as the top contender in the strawweight division, winning every round with a decisive 50-45 score on all judges` cards.
Hyu: A Rising Star in the Flyweight Division
Hyu, a young former karate world champion, scored a spectacular first-round flying knee knockout against Zakaria El Jamari. This impressive finish marks his third consecutive victory in ONE Championship, with two of those wins coming by stoppage. Hyu seamlessly blends karate`s movement and striking techniques into his kickboxing, overwhelming opponents with constant pressure that leaves little room for counterattacks. Today`s quick win suggests he will be back in action soon. In the wake of Takeru, Hyu has the potential to become a prominent figure in Japanese flyweight kickboxing.
Complete ONE 172 Results
- Rodtang Jitmuangnon def. Takeru Segawa – KO at 1:20 of R1
- Masaaki Noiri def. Tawanchai PK Saenchai – TKO at 1:55 of R3
- Yuya Wakamatsu def. Adriano Moraes – TKO at 3:39 of R1
- Jonathan Di Bella def. Sam-A Gaiyanghadao – Unanimous Decision
- Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom def. Kana Morimoto – Unanimous Decision
- Nabil Anane def. Superlek Kiatmoo9 – Unanimous Decision
- Nadaka Yoshinari def. Rak Erawan – KO at 2:40 of R3
- Shinya Aoki def. Eduard Folayang – Submission at 0:53 of R1
- Hiroki Akimoto def. John Lineker – Split Decision
- Adrian Lee def. Takeharu Ogawa – Submission at 1:03 of R1
- Shimon Yoshinari def. Yodlekpet Or Atchariya – Unanimous Decision
- Hyu def. Zakaria El Jamari – KO at 2:12 of R1
- Ryusei Kumagai def. Suriyanlek Por Yenying – Unanimous Decision
Gareth Tenby