Five key reasons why you must not miss the "Rodtang" VS "Takeru" fight at ONE this April 2026.,
Rodtang vs Takeru Part 2 — The must-watch fight of 2026.
ONE Samurai 1 | 29 April 2026 GMT+7 | Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan.
Looking back at Part 1 — 80 seconds that shook the fighting world.
On 23 March 2025 GMT+7, the ONE 172 stage at Saitama Super Arena set a scene no one could easily forget. Rodtang Jitmuangnon landed a sharp left hook on Takeru Segawa, who fell dazed and unable to rise. It took just 1 minute and 20 seconds into the first round, stunning the home crowd. The fight fans had awaited for years ended unexpectedly fast, leaving a lasting wound in the heart of this samurai fighter that still burns today.
Statistics — Two small giants the world must watch.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon, nicknamed “The Iron Man,” age 28 from Phatthalung, is a former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai world champion with 16 victories in ONE fights. His aggressive, forward-pressing style makes him an entertainment fighter followed by fans worldwide.
Takeru Segawa, 34, from Yonago, Japan, is a former K-1 champion and beloved by Japanese fans. He is considered one of the best pound-for-pound kickboxers globally, with 26 career knockouts to his name.
After losing to Rodtang and before their second match, Takeru proved himself by defeating veteran Denis Puric from Bosnia-Canada by TKO in front of his home fans, then publicly requested an immediate rematch with Rodtang.
Money on the table — Numbers that amaze.
Their first fight at ONE 172 made financial history in Muay Thai. Rodtang earned 15 million baht plus a 1.7 million baht knockout bonus, totaling 16.7 million baht — the highest ONE fight purse for a Thai fighter. The event sold out all 15,000 seats, generating 70 million baht in revenue for ONE.
For Part 2 at ONE Samurai 1, Rodtang is expected to earn no less than 20 million baht — the highest purse of his 28-year career.
What’s at stake — More than just honor.
This rematch has the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship belt at stake. It’s not just revenge; the winner will claim the highest title in the sport. Importantly, Takeru confirmed this will be his last fight before retirement, marking the farewell of a Japanese kickboxing legend.
Memorable quotes — The war of words before the fight.
The exchange between the fighters is among the most dramatic and intense in the sport.
Rodtang sent a message directly to his opponent: “I’m honored and glad Takeru chose me for his farewell fight. On fight night, whatever pain you cause me, I will return tenfold. If I get the chance, I want to knock you out again, and he will remember me as the one who defeated him in his final fight.”
Takeru did not back down, revealing his true motivation: “My greatest motivation is to get revenge on Rodtang. I signed with ONE to have the chance to fight him again.”
After being knocked out in the first fight, Takeru tearfully said: “As I said before, this fight means everything to me. I was ready to give my all, but the result was disappointing because I didn’t get to show everything I prepared.”
Why watch — Five reasons you can’t miss this.
1. The legend’s farewell — Takeru plans to retire after this fight. This may be the last time the world sees this Japanese superstar in the ring.
2. Deep-seated revenge — Takeru still holds a grudge from their first fight, and this rematch promises to be much fiercer.
3. The world championship belt — More than pride, an official title is on the line.
4. Takeru’s home — The fight takes place in Tokyo before tens of thousands of Japanese fans eager to see their idol get revenge.
5. Two fierce styles — Rodtang pushes forward relentlessly, while Takeru is fast and a kickboxing specialist with many tricky techniques. Rodtang admits he cannot underestimate him.
ONE Samurai 1 | 29 April 2026 GMT+7 | Ariake Arena, Tokyo.
This fight is more than just a match — it is the final chapter of a samurai legend and proof that “The Iron Man” from Phatthalung remains the true king of his division.