"I'm a perfectionist" - Marat Grigorian admits his performance against Rukiya Anpo still left a lot to be desired

(From left) Marat Grigorian and Rukiya Anpo provided fans an exciting three-round fight in Tokyo. [Image: ONE Championship]
(From left) Marat Grigorian and Rukiya Anpo provided fans an exciting three-round fight in Tokyo. [Image: ONE Championship]

A dominant unanimous decision in hostile territory would satisfy most competitors, but Marat Grigorian sees only room for growth.

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The 34-year-old Armenian striking legend systematically dismantled former K-1 champion Rukiya 'Demolition Man' Anpo with punishing body shots, crisp head punches, and stiff leg kicks across three rounds at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

However, rather than celebrate his textbook execution against a dangerous opponent who had questioned his credentials, the three-time kickboxing world champion immediately identified areas requiring refinement.

"I was satisfied with my performance, but I always feel there's room to improve. I'm a perfectionist. Even in a strong performance like this, I see details I can sharpen," Marat Grigorian told ONE Championship.
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"I can always be sharper, add more volume in certain moments, tighten my combinations, and maybe push forward more when the openings are there."

The honest self-assessment captured the mindset that has defined the Hemmers Gym representative's illustrious career.

The Hemmers Gym affiliate shifted gears and systematically dismantled his opponent's game plan by cutting off the Circle with calculated angles and unleashing devastating combinations whenever Anpo found himself trapped near the walls.

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His victory improved his record to 69-14 and positioned him perfectly for another shot at newly crowned undisputed ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon, who unified the division's gold in the main event.

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Marat Grigorian gives himself credit for facing overweight Rukiya Anpo

During the ONE 173 post-fight press conference, meanwhile, Marat Grigorian explained to reporters that it never once crossed his mind to back out from his war against Anpo, who missed weight and hydration leading up to the spectacle.

Grigorian himself had failed both tests leading up to his featherweight kickboxing tiff against Kaito Ono at ONE 172 in March. However, the Japanese fighter decided not to accept a bout at catchweight.

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"Like I said last time I was, it was my mistake. I was up heavier 300 grams, but I promised for my fans and all of the media that the next fight I would be on point, and that's what I did," Marat Grigorian shared.
"I was disappointed in Anpo because he's the first guy. He had so much big chance, and he's missing the weight. Three kilos overweight, three kilos is a lot in our division, you know? But it's nothing for me. I give him a chance. I'm a real fighter. I'm just here to show a real fight."

Those who missed the global pay-per-view of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri can follow this link to secure the PPV replay passes.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
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