Kickboxing’s landscape shifted subtly in Tokyo as Marat Grigorian made his emphatic return to the ONE Championship circle. Following an 11-month hiatus marked by frustration and a public weight-miss controversy, Grigorian stepped back into the fire against former K-1 World Champion Rukiya Anpo. The resulting performance was not merely a victory; it was a carefully constructed statement defining his professionalism and his singular goal: the championship belt.
The Shadow of 300 Grams
Grigorian’s previous attempt at fighting in Japan ended abruptly. A fight against Kaito Ono was scrapped when Grigorian failed to make weight by a slim margin—300 grams, an error that haunted the elite athlete. Public perception, particularly among the fiercely loyal Japanese audience, took a hit. Grigorian promised a correction, and at ONE 173, he delivered.
However, the narrative of professional discipline took a swift, ironic turn. While Grigorian hit the mark perfectly, his opponent, Rukiya Anpo, was reportedly 3 kilograms over the contracted limit. This disparity transformed the bout from a standard competitive matchup into a display of poetic justice.
“You know as a professional fighter I was really feeling bad about what happened last time. It was 300 g for me… I was on weight. And some Japanese guy, Anpo, didn`t make weight. 3 kg, a lot,” Grigorian noted, reflecting on the striking role reversal.
Despite the weight advantage carried by Anpo—a tactical edge often sought by heavier athletes—Grigorian demonstrated that skill and power trump mere mass accumulation.
Overcoming the Initial Storm
The fight began precisely as a long layoff often dictates: cautiously. Anpo, energized by the home crowd and perhaps his increased size, controlled the tempo of the first round. But elite athletes make adjustments, and Grigorian`s corner quickly identified the necessary tactical shift.
The tide began to turn swiftly. Grigorian, known for his relentless pressure, activated his signature arsenal of heavy punches, targeting both the head and the body with calculated brutality. The Armenian powerhouse asserted his technical dominance, overriding the size differential. He confirmed that even with nearly a year outside the ring, the core strength and punishing accuracy remained intact, proving himself unequivocally the stronger competitor, regardless of the scales.
For Grigorian, the victory served as a crucial restorative moment. It allowed him to display the “real fighting spirit” he believes the Japanese fanbase values—a spirit of tenacity and commitment, even when facing unfavorable circumstances like a heavier opponent.
The Title Belt: Japan or Bust
With the redemption fight cemented, Grigorian’s focus immediately snapped back to the top of the featherweight kickboxing division. The victory over a high-profile competitor like Anpo was merely a stepping stone toward his primary ambition: the ONE Championship title belt.
The division is currently focused on the looming title defense, where the reigning champion, Superbon, is set to face challenger Noiri. Grigorian, positioned perfectly as the next mandatory contender, is already planning his championship campaign, and he has a specific location in mind.
When questioned about a potential title fight against Superbon in the champion’s home base of Thailand, Grigorian was clear and uncompromising: “No, I don`t want to fight him in Thailand! I want to fight him in Japan!”
This declaration is a calculated move. Fighting for the belt in Tokyo, potentially during the proposed April card, allows Grigorian to maximize his exposure to the passionate Japanese audience that he is clearly working hard to win over. It also provides a neutral territory advantage against established champions who typically compete on their home turf.
Marat Grigorian has closed the chapter on his 300-gram controversy and opened a compelling new one in his pursuit of gold. He has demonstrated that professionalism, though sometimes momentarily flawed, is ultimately defined by consistent performance and an unyielding march toward the division’s pinnacle. The message is clear: Grigorian is back, he is on weight, and he is ready to claim the Featherweight throne in Tokyo.
Gareth Fenton