Kickboxing legend Marat Grigorian opens up about his highly anticipated fight against hometown hero Rukiya Anpo in what could determine the next ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title challenger when they collide at ONE 173 on 16 November.
The 34-year-old Armenian superstar will face the 30-year-old Japanese former three-time K-1 Champion in a featherweight kickboxing bout that has been building with intensity since the two first met in Tokyo this past September, where heated exchanges and trash talk added drama to this showdown.
The Armenian legend takes offense to anyone who speaks negatively about him and promises to make Anpo regret every word. Grigorian warns that as fight night approaches, the Japanese fighter will realize the magnitude
of his mistake.
"He's been talking a lot, hasn't he? He's delusional. He thinks he can just come, beat me up, and finish me like I'm nothing. Everyone knows that I'm much better than what he thinks I am," Grigorian said.
"When people talk [badly] about me, I'll make them pay. As the days get shorter, he will understand who he's gonna face. I will bring hell, and he will feel the pain. "
Grigorian's confidence comes from his extensive experience at the highest levels of kickboxing competition. The Armenian veteran has faced and defeated elite strikers throughout his career, giving him the tools to handle Anpo's aggressive style.
The former Glory Champion plans to deliver a devastating knockout that will silence the Tokyo crowd supporting their hometown hero. Grigorian envisions landing his signature strikes and leaving Anpo unconscious on the canvas in front of his own fans.
"I just want to feel his chin on my knuckles. I will just run through him. I will knock him out. I want him to have a good dream while he's asleep and looking at the roof. I just want to catch him and enjoy Japan," Grigorian said.
ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri features five highly anticipated ONE World Title bouts along with several high-octane non-title clashes. Fans in India can catch all the action live on pay-per-view at live.onefc.com.
