Welterweight MMA war between Hiroyuki Tetsuka and Isi Fitikefu locked in for ONE 168: Denver
An explosive welterweight MMA scrap between Hiroyuki Tetsuka and Isi Fitikefu will now join the star-studded cast at ONE 168: Denver.
The pair's three-round clash has all the ingredients to be an instant classic, as proven by their high finishing rates. As such, fans shouldn't blink an eye when the floodgates open and the two duke it out inside the Ball Arena on September 6.
'Japanese Beast' has been knocking at the door of a shot at the ONE welterweight MMA world title since he arrived on the global stage of the promotion.
After splitting between a unanimous decision win and defeat in his first two outings, the 34-year-old has never looked back.
The Yamada Dojo-TGFC affiliate has acquired five highlight-reel finishes on the trot – two by knockout and three by submission – to position himself as a leading contender to two-division king Christian Lee's coveted gold.
Not only is he equipped with match-ending power in four-ounce gloves, but his world-class game on the canvas has proved to be a nightmare even for the division's best ground game specialists.
Hiroyuki Tetsuka's well-rounded style and ability to dig deep to carve a path to a quick victory have been nothing short of incredible, and he'll need to rely on it once more come ONE 168: Denver as Fitikefu has proven to be no walkover.
The 31-year-old Tongan-Australian fighter has already impressed the global audience in two appearances under the ONE spotlight.
Though he endured a split decision loss in his debut against Ruslan Emilbek Uulu, he quickly bounced back with a delicate first-round submission win over Valmir Da Silva in April last year.
Fitikefu has another tough assignment in Tetsuka next, but as proven by his pair of appearances so far, the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Smeaton Grange representative is ready to knock anyone that comes in his way of the divisional gold.
Hiroyuki Tetsuka aims to make it six finishes in a row in Denver
With a world title shot against Christian Lee very much within touching distance, Hiroyuki Tetsuka vows to keep up his impressive finishing rate when he takes to the Circle in Denver.
Speaking to ONE Championship ahead of his return, Hiroyuki Tetsuka shared:
"I want to finish the fight, whether by striking or grappling and extend my finishing streak to six.
"I want to demonstrate that there are no more opponents for me and connect this to a title shot against Lee."
Follow this link to purchase tickets to ONE 168: Denver. ONE Championship's return to North America emanates live in U.S. primetime from the Ball Arena on September 6.