An action-packed night at the capacity crowd Saitama Super Arena concluded with several significant bouts.
The highly anticipated main event clash between Rodtang and Takeru ended dramatically and quickly. After an initial phase of assessing each other, Rodtang cornered Takeru. However, Takeru landed a clean right hand that had no effect on Rodtang. Without delay, Rodtang retaliated with a sharp left hook that connected squarely, sending Takeru collapsing backward. Despite his efforts to recover, Takeru could not beat the referee`s count, resulting in Rodtang`s first recorded first-round knockout victory.
NOIRI SECURES UPSET WIN OVER TAWANCHAI
Considered a significant underdog with odds often cited at 5-1 or 6-1, Masaaki Noiri delivered a stunning upset in the third round against Thai superstar Tawanchai. The opening round saw both fighters trade blows, with Tawanchai appearing to hold a slight advantage over a relatively static Noiri. The former K-1 competitor attempted a strategy similar to his previous fight, targeting his opponent`s legs.
In the second round, Tawanchai found his rhythm, landing a mix of powerful kicks and precise punches that kept Noiri on the defensive. As the round neared its end, Noiri connected with a powerful right hook while Tawanchai was backed against the ropes, foreshadowing the finish to come.
Sensing his moment, Noiri intensified his attack in the third round and found success. After delivering hard shots to the body, he followed up with a hook upstairs that landed cleanly, dropping Tawanchai to the canvas. In a sequence reminiscent of his 2020 loss to Jia Aoqi, Tawanchai was overwhelmed by a relentless barrage of punches, prompting the referee to halt the contest.
With the interim belt now claimed, Noiri is positioned to challenge the reigning champion, Superbon.
JONATHAN DI BELLA RETAINS BELT
Jonathan Di Bella showcased his exceptional boxing skills over five rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory against Sam-A, defending his title. The win dispelled any doubts about his ability to handle Muay Thai specialists.
In a contest featuring two southpaws, Di Bella effectively neutralized Sam-A`s signature roundhouse kicks, countering effectively and controlling the tempo. Although Sam-A landed sharp low kicks and displayed solid blocking, Di Bella proved his status as the top contender in ONE`s strawweight division, earning scores of 50-45 across all judges` scorecards.
HYU: A RISING FLYWEIGHT PROSPECT
With a spectacular first-round flying knee knockout of Zakaria El Jamari, the young former karate world champion secured his third consecutive win in ONE Championship, with two coming by finish.
Hyu effectively blends karate striking rhythms and kicking techniques into kickboxing, overwhelming opponents with sustained pressure that leaves little room for counter-attacks. His quick finish suggests he is ready for his next challenge soon. Following the departure of Takeru, Hyu could potentially emerge as a key figure in Japanese flyweight kickboxing.
ONE 172 EVENT RESULTS
Rodtang Jitmuangnon def. Takeru Segawa – KO at 1:20 of R1
Masaaki Noiri def. Tawanchai PK Saenchai – TKO at 1:55 of R3
Yuya Wakamatsu def. Adriano Moraes – TKO at 3:39 of R1
Jonathan Di Bella def. Sam-A Gaiyanghadao – Unanimous Decision
Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom def. Kana Morimoto – Unanimous Decision
Nabil Anane def. Superlek Kiatmoo9 – Unanimous Decision
Nadaka Yoshinari def. Rak Erawan – KO at 2:40 of R3
Shinya Aoki def. Eduard Folayang – Submission at 0:53 of R1
Hiroki Akimoto def. John Lineker – Split Decision
Adrian Lee def. Takeharu Ogawa – Submission at 1:03 of R1
Shimon Yoshinari def. Yodlekpet Or Atchariya – Unanimous Decision
Hyu def. Zakaria El Jamari – KO at 2:12 of R1
Ryusei Kumagai def. Suriyanlek Por Yenying – Unanimous Decision
Ellis Thorne 
Gareth Fenton