Armenian kickboxing icon Marat Grigorian did what he was set out to do at ONE 173 inside Tokyo’s packed Ariake Arena.The 34-year-old veteran silenced his brash opponent, Rukiya Anpo of Japan, serving the former K-1 champion a three-round beatdown in their featherweight kickboxing encounter.Grigorian dominated with his signature frenzied pace from start to finish, demolishing his younger opponent with punishing body shots, crisp head punches, and stiff leg kicks.The Hemmers Gym standout vowed to break Anpo physically and mentally after their bitter back-and-forth in the lead-up to the match.Needless to say, Grigorian lived up to his promise and proved he is still one of the best 155-pound strikers on the planet.He told ONE Championship:"The game plan was to pressure him, break his rhythm, and stay in control. And that's exactly what happened." View this post on Instagram Instagram PostMaking the victory even sweeter is that Anpo heavily criticized Grigorian’s straightforward style, calling it old-fashioned and predictable.Yet ‘Demolition Man’ had zero answers once the former ONE featherweight kickboxing world title challenger amped up the volume.Grigorian simply drowned him in deep waters like those before him and likely earned himself another shot at undisputed ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon.Marat Grigorian praises Rukiya Anpo's toughnessDespite their animosity, Marat Grigorian eventually developed some respect for Rukiya Anpo after their intense battle.The 34-year-old Armenian legend threw haymakers Anpo's way, particularly in the final round, that would have dropped lesser fighters.But the Japanese warrior kept standing the whole fight and never gave up.In the same interview with ONE, Grigorian gave Anpo his flowers for his durability:“His toughness definitely has my respect. Even though he came in heavier, he showed heart. Japanese athletes are known for that, and he proved it. He took some hard shots and kept trying. Respect to him.”