Marat Grigorian says Rukiya Anpo's constant trash talk is just a 'way to hide his fear'

(From left) Marat Grigorian and Rukiya Anpo. [Image: ONE Championship]
(From left) Marat Grigorian and Rukiya Anpo. [Image: ONE Championship]

Marat Grigorian isn't impressed by his opponent's bravado, and he believes there's insecurity behind the bold words.

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The 34-year-old Armenian striker, a former three-time Glory world champion, faces promotional newcomer Rukiya Anpo at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16.

In a pre-fight interview before they collide in a featherweight kickboxing tiff, the Hemmers Gym affiliate offered his take on why the former K-1 champion has been so vocal in the buildup to their clash.

The Antwerp-based fighter's assessment pulled no punches.

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"I think it's just his way to hide his fear – the fear that he knows what will be in front of him in Tokyo," Marat Grigorian said.
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For Grigorian, who has competed against the sport's best throughout his decorated career, Anpo's brash confidence represents the false hopes of a fighter who hasn't yet experienced the pressure of ONE Championship's global stage.

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Marat Grigorian ready to validate his words with violence

While Marat Grigorian has engaged in the pre-fight mind games, he understands that talk means nothing without backing it up inside the Circle.

The former two-time ONE featherweight kickboxing world title challenger has always impressed on the global stage. He rarely engages in needless pre-fight exchanges to keep him focused on the task at hand.

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Given how things stand, a solid victory over the debutant on Japanese soil would not only silence the latter's trash talk but also prove that Grigorian remains a world title favorite in the star-studded featherweight kickboxing division.

With Superbon and Masaaki Noiri unifying the divisional gold in the main event of ONE 173, a win for Grigorian will be of utmost necessity.

Could he secure another shot at 26 pounds of gold with a stellar display in Tokyo, or will Anpo stun the Armenian kickboxing legend inside the Ariake Arena?

Tickets for the spectacle are available here. Meanwhile, watch.onefc.com has all the how-to-watch details for ONE's blockbuster return to Japan.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
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