"They're ready to face each other" - Chatri Sityodtong says Rodtang and Takeru are raring to go
Of all of the dream fights that ONE Championship could make right now, one of them stands out amongst the others, Takeru vs. Rodtang.
This fight has been the topic of fan debate for a long time now but earlier this year, we nearly saw it become a reality.
Japanese kickboxing superstar Takeru Segawa signed to ONE with the intention of finally locking horns with 'The Iron Man'.
Unfortunately, after the flyweight Muay Thai world champion suffered an injury, he was replaced by Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the main event of ONE 165 last January.
Both men are currently already booked to fight other opponents but as was confirmed by ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong during a recent press conference, the deal has already been done for their eventual meeting:
"Actually, Takeru and Rodtang are so calm, they've already signed bout agreements. They're ready to go. They're ready to face each other, but I wouldn't count their chickens before they hatch, right? They've got some tough fights ahead, but yes, they're ready to go. They've both agreed and signed to fight each other as their next fight."
Watch the full press conference below:
Rodtang and Takeru must come through their next fights
As Chatri Sityodtong stated, despite the fact that the fight is already agreed upon, both Rodtang and Takeru have other priorities right now.
The Japanese star is looking to earn his first win under the ONE banner when he returns at Friday Fights 81 to face Thant Zin at Lumpinee Stadium.
Providing that he is able to get the win on Sept. 27, the pressure will be on Rodtang to deliver at ONE 169 on Nov. 8.
He will be defending his flyweight crown in a rematch with Jacob Smith at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
If both men get their hands raised, it will set up the fight that fans have been waiting to see for the near future.
ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian primetime via watch.onefc.com