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Takeru Segawa defeated Rodtang via fifth-round TKO at ONE SAMURAI 1, marking a legendary end to his kickboxing career. He delivered an emotional retirement speech after capturing the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.
Fans inside Tokyoās Ariake Arena witnessed the perfect, poetic end to one of the greatest careers in combat sports history this past Wednesday, April 29, as Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru āNatural Born Krusherā Segawa closed the book on his legendary martial arts journey with a performance for the ages at ONE SAMURAI 1.
In a breathtaking main event that will be talked about for decades, the 34-year-old veteran defeated Thai megastar Rodtang āThe Iron Manā Jitmuangnon via fifth-round TKO to capture the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.
The bout was an absolute war of attrition, but in the end, Takeru shattered Rodtangās aura of invincibility. The āNatural Born Krusherā dropped the Thai twice in a chaotic second round, and then he finished the job with two more staggering knockdowns to secure the stoppage victory at the 2:22 mark of the final frame.
Following his crowning achievement, Takeru laid his gloves on the canvas and delivered a tearful retirement speech to the millions of fans watching around the globe.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, the reality of the moment was still washing over the newly crowned ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion.
The Japanese superstar offered:
āIām just really happy, thatās all I can say. I didnāt think Iād still be fighting at 34, and I physically didnāt think Iād last. But thanks to the support of so many people, I was able to make it this far as a martial artist.
āIām incredibly grateful to all the ONE staff. Iām truly happy that my final fight could be on this stage.ā
Entering the ring against the most dangerous pressure fighter on the planet, Takeru carried the crushing weight of a nationās expectations on his shoulders.
While he portrayed absolute confidence during fight week, he admitted that the buildup to his final walk was agonizing. Against an opponent with Rodtangās terrifying firepower ā a man who knocked him out cold in 80 seconds just a year ago ā the fear of failing his fans kept him awake at night.
Takeru Segawa won the fight against Rodtang by fifth-round TKO.
Takeru Segawa announced his retirement after his fight on April 29 at ONE SAMURAI 1.
Takeru Segawa won the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title by defeating Rodtang.
Takeru Segawa showcased an impressive performance, dropping Rodtang twice and securing the victory with two additional knockdowns.
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Takeru revealed:
āHonestly, it hasnāt really sunk in yet because I havenāt watched my fight. I didnāt want to show weakness before the fight, so I kept quiet. But every day I was having nightmares about being knocked out, losing consciousness, or breaking my leg.
āI was terrified of disappointing everyoneās expectations. So right now, my overriding feeling is just, āIām glad I came back alive.āā
That fear could have paralyzed another fighter, especially during the hellacious exchanges where Takeru absorbed massive, unguarded blows from āThe Iron Man.ā But the Japanese veteran refused to fold.
Unlike in his first encounter with Rodtang at ONE 172 in March 2025, where he battled through a broken sternum and ribs, Takeru was fully prepared for the fire this time.
He explained:
āIt was fun. I wanted to exchange blows with him. When I realized my 30-year martial arts life was going to end in these five rounds, I wanted to win, but a part of me also wanted to take more of Rodtangās punches. I was fighting with those mixed feelings.
āI researched his fighting style a lot. Rodtang seems like heās just swinging wildly, but he moves like a master, which I learned from observing. Today, I knew his punches were strong, but I was fully prepared to take them, which helped me endure. Also, it was my last fight. I was prepared to die rather than fall, so I just took the punches.ā
To secure the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title, Takeru Segawa had to do something he had rarely done in his entire career: admit he was vulnerable.
For years, the āNatural Born Krusherā operated with an aura of invincibility. But the transition to the worldās largest martial arts organization forced him to confront the physical toll of his decades-long career.
The Tokyo resident said:
āComing to ONE allowed me to properly recognize my own weaknesses. Back when I kept winning, I truly thought I would never lose. But coming here, I discovered my weak points. I acknowledged the weaknesses I felt in ONE, and the reality that my body has been slowly breaking down.
āRather than āovercomingā them, it was more about recognizing that I couldnāt do the things I used to do. I was still trying to fight the same way, which is partly why my body broke down. I recognized that and changed my approach. Since it was my final fight, I pushed myself to the absolute limit today, intending to use up my body entirely even if it breaks, and I managed to balance that fine line successfully.ā
With his body completely spent, Takeru confirmed there are no lingering desires for one more fight. He gave everything he had in the ring one final time.
Now, his focus shifts to the legacy he leaves behind. The dynamo vividly remembers the dark period of Japanese combat sports following the retirement of legendary kickboxer Masato Kobayashi, and he is determined to prevent history from repeating itself.
In a powerful call to action, Takeru urged the entire Japanese martial arts ecosystem to unite.
He declared:
āMy active career ends today, but I donāt want the passion for Japanese martial arts to die out. Masato-san built up the scene, but when he retired, it declined. I went through a difficult period then. For the kids who started martial arts admiring me, and for future fighters, I want to leave a big stage for them.ā
And as he walks away from the sport that defined his existence, the āNatural Born Krusherā wants his ultimate victory over Rodtang to serve as a beacon of hope for anyone who doubts their own potential.
Takeru admits that martial arts ā and even athletics, for that matter ā didnāt come naturally. But he had an undying passion for it and dedicated himself to his craft, which paved the way for his incredible success.
He concluded:
āI really had no martial arts talent at first. I started in elementary school, couldnāt win, and my athletic ability was just average. But I was able to become strong and leave results like this. So, I donāt want people with dreams to ever give up.
āIf I hadnāt encountered martial arts, I think I would have had a worthless life. Iām only 34, but martial arts has made my life so wonderful. I have nothing but pure gratitude for it.ā