An action-packed night at the sold-out Saitama Super Arena concluded with several significant fights.
Rodtang Secures Swift Knockout Against Takeru
The highly anticipated main event clash between Rodtang and Takeru ended quickly and decisively. After an initial feeling-out period, Rodtang pressured Takeru into the corner. Takeru landed a clean right hand that didn`t faze Rodtang, who immediately retaliated with a sharp left hook. This shot dropped Takeru. Despite his efforts, the Japanese fighter could not beat the referee`s count, resulting in Rodtang`s first recorded first-round knockout of his career.
Masaaki Noiri Stuns Tawanchai with Upset Victory
Entering the fight as a significant underdog, Masaaki Noiri delivered a shockwave through the arena by securing a third-round knockout against the highly-regarded Thai fighter, Tawanchai. The opening round saw both competitors exchanging blows, with Tawanchai seemingly having a slight edge over a more static Noiri. Following a strategy from his previous bouts, Noiri focused attacks on his opponent`s legs.
In the second round, Tawanchai found his rhythm, effectively landing powerful kicks and precise punches that kept Noiri defensive. However, towards the end of the round, Noiri landed a heavy right hook while Tawanchai was against the ropes, hinting at future success.
Sensing his moment, Noiri intensified his attack in the third round and found the breakthrough he needed. After attacking the body, he connected with a hook upstairs, dropping Tawanchai. The Thai fighter was then overwhelmed by a relentless barrage of punches, prompting the referee to stop the contest. With this victory, Noiri claimed the interim belt and positioned himself as the next challenger for reigning champion Superbon.
Jonathan Di Bella Defends Title with Dominant Performance
Jonathan Di Bella showcased his superior boxing skills over five rounds against Sam-A, earning a clear unanimous decision victory. This performance effectively countered any doubts about his ability to handle Muay Thai specialists.
In a battle of southpaws, Di Bella consistently neutralized Sam-A’s signature roundhouse kicks, effectively countering and dictating the pace of the fight. Although Sam-A managed to land some sharp low kicks and execute precise blocks, Di Bella remained in control, cementing his status as the top contender in ONE`s strawweight division with a dominant 50-45 score on all judges` cards.
Hyu: A Rising Star Emerges
With a first-round flying knee knockout win over Zakaria El Jamari, the young former karate world champion Hyu has now secured his third consecutive victory in ONE Championship, two of which were finishes.
Hyu successfully integrates karate`s unique rhythm and kicking techniques into kickboxing, overwhelming opponents with constant pressure that denies them opportunities to counter. This quick finish suggests he will be back in the ring soon. Following Takeru`s recent bout, Hyu could potentially become a new prominent figure in Japanese flyweight kickboxing.
ONE 172 Official 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
Murray Blackwood 
Gareth Pendleton