Tokyo, Japan – The stage is being set for a monumental night of combat sports. ONE Championship recently held a press conference in the Japanese capital to formally announce the initial lineup for ONE 173, scheduled for November 16th at the Ariake Arena. The event promises a blend of high-stakes title action and the return of local superstars.
Headlining the Tokyo spectacle is a highly anticipated kickboxing clash that will unify the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship. Reigning champion Superbon will face the interim titleholder, Masaaki Noiri. Noiri earned his shot at glory with an impressive victory over the formidable Tawanchai at ONE 172. This matchup pits two of the division`s absolute best against each other, guaranteeing fireworks as they vie for undisputed supremacy.
The co-main event shifts gears to the heavyweight mixed martial arts division for a compelling rematch. Undisputed ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Oumar Kane, known as `Reug Reug`, is slated to run it back with the man he previously defeated, former champion Anatoly Malykhin. This bout carries significant weight, with Malykhin eager to reclaim his status and Kane looking to solidify his position atop the heavyweight ranks.
Adding significant star power for the Japanese audience, Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong confirmed that national icons Takeru and Nadaka Yoshinari will also feature on the card. While their opponents are yet to be revealed, their inclusion ensures immense local interest. Takeru, a legend in Japanese kickboxing, has notably called for a rematch with Rodtang, suggesting intriguing rule sets like open-finger glove boxing or even bare-knuckle. Rodtang, ever the warrior, has reportedly welcomed the challenge under any proposed rules, a testament to the fierce respect and rivalry following their brutal first-round knockout meeting in March.
Furthermore, the featherweight kickboxing picture leading into ONE 173 gained clarity. Yuki Yoza, who is set to compete against Petchtanong on July 18th, made an appearance at the press conference. It was confirmed that the winner of the Yoza-Petchtanong bout will earn a coveted shot at the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship, currently held by Jonathan Haggerty. This means ONE 173 could potentially feature not one, not two, but three world title fights, a true feast for combat sports enthusiasts.
With these major announcements, ONE 173 in Tokyo is quickly shaping up to be one of the promotion`s flagship events of the year. Additional matchups are expected to be unveiled in the weeks leading up to November 16th, further solidifying what promises to be an unforgettable night of championship battles and captivating performances.
