LOOK: Takeru Segawa back in the gym cracking pads, getting ready for big 2026

Japanese kickboxing superstar Takeru Segawa is back in training as he prepares for potentially a big 2026 that will see him exit the game with a bang.

'Natural Born Krusher' recently hit the gym with his team nearly a month since his impressive victory at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Nov. 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, where he stopped veteran Bosnian-Canadian fighter Denis Puric by TKO.

Takeru was caught on video showcasing his power and speed with boxing pad work, which ONE Championship highlighted in an Instagram post. It captioned its post:

"Takeru is back on track 🤩"

In his last fight at ONE 173, Takeru was looking to redeem himself after being knocked out by Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon in his previous fight. He delivered on his push, pummeling Puric with ferocious strikes early on that sent 'The Bosnian Menace' down in the first round alone.

He continued to dominate in the second round, overwhelming his opponent with more crisp striking, scoring two more knockdowns and forcing the referee to call a halt to the contest at the 2:49 mark of the frame.

The victory earned Takeru a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, his first in the promotion since coming on board in 2023.

Replay of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri is available on live.onefc.com.

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Takeru to face Rodtang in a rematch in final career fight

If plans push through, Takeru will have his final match in his illustrious career next year against Rodtang in a rematch.

The 34-year-old Team Vasileus standout shared his wish after his victory at ONE 173. He asked 'The Iron Man' to give him the honor of running it back after their first encounter back in March, where the Thai sensation made short work of Takeru, finishing the match with a knockout in just 80 seconds.

While the fighters have agreed to do a rematch in what Takeru said would be his final fight, no date has been set yet on when the match will take place and where.

Takeru has made it known that when he decided to join ONE Championship, one of his motivations was to face and defeat Rodtang, who he has high regard for and considers as among the best the game has seen.