“Fighting in Japan is always special” - Marat Grigorian eyes return to Tokyo for world title fight

Marat Grigorian | Photo by ONE Championship
Marat Grigorian | Photo by ONE Championship

Former ONE featherweight kickboxing world title challenger Marat Grigorian believes he secured another world title shot after his incredible performance against Rukiya Anpo.

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The Armenian icon blasted the Japanese star across three rounds last Nov. 16 at Ariake Arena for the dominant unanimous decision victory in their featherweight kickboxing showdown.

Following the promotion’s announcement of its return to Ariake Arena for ONE 175 on April 29, 2026, Grigorian expressed his desire to be part of that massive event.

He told ONE Championship in an exclusive interview:

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"I'd love to be part of that card. Superbon is the fight I want. Doing it in Tokyo would be perfect - big names, big energy. I'm ready whenever. April would be perfect. Fighting in Japan is always special. I felt that same electricity again at ONE 173. It was just as exciting as I always remembered it to be."
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Superbon became the undisputed ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion by defeating Masaaki Noiri in the main event of ONE 173.

As far as Grigorian is concerned, he still has unfinished business with the Thai megastar, and he's ready to settle it in 'The Land of the Rising Sun.'

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Marat Grigorian explains decision to accept catchweight match with Rukiya Anpo

Rukiya Anpo missed weight and hydration for his ONE Championship debut, which put his match with Marat Grigorian in jeopardy.

Still, the Armenian legend accepted the match because he really wanted to prove he's better than 'Demolition Man'.

The Hemmers Gym standout said during the ONE 173 post-event press conference:

“I was disappointed in Anpo. He had a big chance, and he's missing the weight. Three kilos overweight, three kilos is a lot in our division. But it's nothing for me. I give him a chance. I'm a real fighter. I don't care about the weight class, you know? I'm just here to show a real fight, and that's what I did."

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
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