Former K-1 champion Rukiya Anpo is ready to silence Marat Grigorian and deliver a remarkable performance on home soil in what would be his first fight in ONE Championship.
The 29-year-old Japanese martial artist will face the veteran Armenian striker in a featherweight kickboxing bout at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri. Their scheduled three-round tie will take place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Sunday, November 16.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post via translator, the promotional newcomer was asked if he had a message for Grigorian, and Anpo hit back at his opponent’s trash talk while making a bold promise to fans around the world.
“He knows that Marat said he would destroy [him] mentally and physically. Marat said this to Anpo. But he won’t let Marat do that. Anpo will make Marat say, ‘oh wow [Anpo] is crazy strong’, that’s what he wants to show in the fight, and we have two months, so better prepare well,” Rukiya Anpo said.
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“And to all the fans around the world, in Japan, he promises that he will show the best fight of the night, and he will show the most exciting fight of the event. So please look forward to it.”
The MFL CLUB team representative, who is looking forward to returning with Masaaki Noiri, has made it clear that he intends to leave a lasting impression in his highly anticipated promotional arc.
However, Grigorian, a former two-time challenger for the ONE featherweight kickboxing world title and former three-time Glory kickboxing world champion, brings elite-level experience to the matchup that should provide “Demolition Man” with a tough test in his first fight in ONE.
Watch Rukiya Anpo’s full interview with SCMP here:
Rukiya Anpo says he will take a ‘smart’ approach against Marat Grigorian
Rukiya Anpo believes she has found the right solution to ensure she gets her hands on Grigorian in Tokyo, Japan.
In the same exchange with SCMP, the 29-year-old vowed to pair his usual aggression with a more refined, world-class fighting IQ.
“[Anpo] has a game plan. He has a strategy. So it’s not something he’s going to bring anyway, just hitting, you know, putting pressure. He will also play smart,” Anpo added through a translator.
Fans wanting to get their tickets to see ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri live and in person can click here. Details on how to watch will be available at watch.onefc.com for those interested in attending the show in their area.
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