ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru takes place this weekend at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, and even though we are only three weeks into 2024 the card already has the credentials of the best-of-the-year contender.
Loaded from top to bottom, here is our pick of three fights not to be missed.
Superlek vs Takeru
Being the headliner, it goes without saying this fight is something special. With the ONE flyweight kickboxing world title on the line, Superlek will be looking to show why he is considered one the of the world’s very best strikers. If his reputation wasn’t good enough, his win last timeout against Rodtang only further endorsed his living legend credentials. It was Rodtang who Takeru should have faced at this event, but injury put an end to that with Superlek stepping in and putting his title on the line. Takeru may be making his ONE Championship debut, but he has multiple world titles to his name, and an astonishing 43-3 overall kickboxing record. This is a striking contest for the ages.
Kade Ruotolo vs Tommy Langakar
Last year these two gave us one of the best submission grappling contests of 2023, now we are fortunate enough to see it all over again this weekend. Ruotolo needs little introduction. ONE’s inaugural lightweight submission grappling champion, he has never lost a grappling bout as a black belt and at 21-years old has been nothing short of unstoppable. Langakar arguably gave him the closest fight of his career, one the Norwegian feels he won, and is now looking for redemption – and with more than 150 matches as a BJJ black belt to his name he feels he has the experience and confidence to take home the title.
Garry Tonon vs Martyn Nguyen
Two of ONE Championship’s biggest, and most experienced names will clash this weekend – with both men still hunting title glory. Tonon has been in ONE for seven years, Nguyen three years more than that and quite how their paths have not crossed before is something of a mystery. But here we are – Tonon is ranked number one in the featherweight MMA division, while ONE’s first two division world champion Nguyen is just two places further back. American Tonon has a devastating ground game, while Nguyen is one of the best knockout artists to grace the ONE canvas. A title shot surely awaits either man, and this one could be a classic.
ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru takes place Sunday January 28 1pm GST at the Ariake Arena, Tokyo. This is an event not to be missed so mark your calendars, download the ONE Super App, and go to watch.onefc.com now!
ONE Championship returns to the Middle East on March 1 with ONE 166: Qatar at the Lusail Stadium, Doha. A historic night awaits with no less than five title fights planned, and tickets are now available from Virgin Megastore and Q-Tickets.
