ONE Championship is set to make its return to Japan with a highly anticipated card featuring former UFC prospect Sage Northcutt facing off against MMA legend Shinya Aoki in a lightweight bout. This thrilling match-up is scheduled to take place on January 28th at ONE 165 in Tokyo, according to sources. While Northcutt is known for his flashy kicks and electric offense, Aoki is renowned as one of the best grappling specialists in the sport. Originally planned for April 2021, the fight had to be postponed due to Northcutt’s complications from COVID-19.
The main event of the evening will showcase a five-round flyweight kickboxing match between ONE flyweight Muay Thai champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Japanese kickboxer Takeru Segawa. This clash of titans is expected to be an explosive display of striking skills and will surely captivate fight fans around the world. Segawa, a major star in Japan, drew a crowd of over 56,000 people when he faced Tenshin Nasukawa at the Tokyo Dome in June 2022. It will be interesting to see if he can replicate that level of success against Rodtang, who is a formidable opponent.
Sage Northcutt, with a record of 12-3, returned to the MMA scene in May after a four-year hiatus with a quick submission victory over Ahmed Mujtaba. The 27-year-old Texas native is a long-time karate practitioner and has a flashy fighting style that has won him a dedicated following. However, he will face a tough challenge in Aoki, a former two-time ONE Championship lightweight champion and a respected veteran in the sport. Aoki, with a record of 47-11, 1 NC, has not competed since November 2022 and will be looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses.
This event marks ONE Championship’s first show in Japan since 2019 and promises to be an unforgettable night of elite martial arts action. The Ariake Arena will play host to the thrilling fights, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both the fighters and the enthusiastic Japanese audience. ONE Championship has always been known for delivering exciting match-ups and this event is no exception. With a mix of international stars and local favorites, fans can expect an unforgettable night of MMA and kickboxing action.
ONE Championship’s return to Japan with a stacked card featuring a lightweight bout between Sage Northcutt and Shinya Aoki, as well as a high-stakes flyweight kickboxing match between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa, is a highly anticipated event in the MMA world. The fight fans in Japan will be treated to a night of elite martial arts action, showcasing the skills, determination, and heart of these incredible athletes. Whether you’re a fan of grappling or striking, this event has something for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night of adrenaline-pumping combat sports.
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