Summary
Headline cards come and go, but when a promotion calls an event “the biggest of the year,” you pay attention. ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri lives up to that promise, a stacked lineup packed with World Champions, legends, debutants, and hungry contenders all sharing the same stage.
From show-stopping Muay Thai bouts to highly anticipated kickboxing clashes, this is the kind of card that defines an era and creates moments fans will remember for years to come. Here are five matchups we can’t wait to see.
1) Takeru Segawa Vs. Denis Purić (Kickboxing)
Takeru returns to Tokyo with home fans surrounding him, facing the kickboxing veteran Purić. Takeru’s speed and crisp combinations vs. Purić’s power and veteran savvy. With two high-level strikers sharing the ring, expect an all-action opener that showcases speed, precision, and grit. Keep your eyes on Takeru’s explosive counters and Purić’s composure under fire, along with his ability to absorb pressure and shift the pace when it matters most.
This fight stands out because it sets the tone for the entire night, fast, aggressive, and packed with intent. Every exchange will matter, and both fighters have the tools to make this one of the most talked-about bouts on the card.
2) Marat Grigorian Vs. Rukiya Anpo (Kickboxing)
A Standoff between Marat Grigorian Vs. Rukiya Anpo during the ONE 173 press conference.
Anpo makes his long-awaited ONE debut against Grigorian, one of the most seasoned and battle-tested strikers in the division. The real question is whether Anpo can rise to the occasion and make a statement in his first appearance on this stage. Grigorian, known for his relentless pace and heavy combinations, will test every part of Anpo’s game; from composure to endurance.
Anpo’s adaptability under pressure and his ability to read and adjust mid-fight, versus Grigorian’s experience and intent to reaffirm his place among the elite. This matchup goes beyond rankings, it’s a story of ambition meeting experience, and how new challengers measure up against established greatness.
3) Nong‑O Hama Vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon (Muay Thai)
A true clash of styles with legacy on the line. Nong-O represents the essence of traditional Muay Thai, with the tactical Muay Femur style and mastery of technique while Rodtang embodies the new wave with his heavy punches, aggression and Muay Mat style that pushes the pace with fearless forward pressure. Fans can expect a battle of wills filled with heavy leg kicks, fierce clinch exchanges, and unshakable heart from both men.
The key storyline to watch is how Nong-O handles Rodtang’s relentless pressure and whether Rodtang can break through the veteran’s composure to impose his own rhythm. This matchup matters because it connects two generations of Muay Thai; tradition meeting evolution and both fighters have the kind of pedigree that defines eras.
4) Christian Lee Vs. Alibeg Rasulov (MMA)
Lee and Rasulov meet again after their first clash had an unexpected ending, a storyline that already adds weight to this rematch. For Lee, it’s about reaffirming his dominance and proving that his first performance was no fluke. For Rasulov, it’s redemption and validation, a chance to show he belongs among the elite.
Lee’s explosive takedowns, transition speed, and killer instinct against Rasulov’s relentless wrestling pressure and control. Why it matters? Titles, redemption, and legacy are all on the line. The result could reshape the division, define their legacy all while setting the tone for the next wave of contenders.
5) Superbon Vs. Masaaki Noiri (Kickboxing)
Champion Vs Interim Champion showdown. Superbon defends while Noiri hunts. The key question is how Noiri will manage Superbon’s rhythm, feints, and long-range control, and whether Superbon can adjust to Noiri’s pressure and inside combinations. This matchup matters because it is not only about titles, but also about who truly holds the stylistic edge at the top of the division. At ONE 173, every exchange will count, as both fighters look to prove whose game plan can hold under elite pressure. Who do you think will walk away with the crown after this epic clash?
Final Thoughts
ONE 173 isn’t just another martial arts event, it’s an event built for moments. Each of these five match-ups matters for different reasons: legacy, debut, style clash, title defense, and redemption. If you’re a fan of martial arts, whether Muay Thai, kickboxing or MMA, this is your must-watch card of the year.
Which fight are you most excited for?
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