The importance of his ONE Friday Fights 81 return is not lost on Takeru Segawa.
After all, 'The Natural Born Crusher' knows winning in an impressive fashion should set him up for the high-profile matches he's been coveting the most since signing with the world's largest martial arts organization.
Takeru will lock horns with Myanmar's Thant Zin in the penultimate match of ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs Nattawut on September 27, live in Asian Primetime, inside the fabled grounds of Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium.
The Japanese superstar has made it clear that taking on reigning flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon tops his priorities.
While the injury bug prevented it from happening last January, Takeru still had the honor of challenging Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the flyweight kickboxing crown at ONE 165.
The Team Vasileus star fell short after five rounds but gained some valuable lessons along the way.
Now, Takeru wants to earn himself a shot at arguably the two best Thai fighters in the world. That road begins at ONE Friday Fights 81.
He told ONE in an exclusive interview:
“This is my comeback fight and my second ONE fight, so I really want my first win in ONE. Regardless of who the opponent is, I just need to win so I can get back to the position to fight Superlek or Rodtang [Jitmuangnon].”
Takeru says Superlek setback only made him stronger
Takeru Segawa took some time off after his epic five-round war with Superlek, using the time to heal both his physical and emotional wounds.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the 33-year-old Japanese megastar said he's now back to 100 percent and is as motivated as ever to bounce back.
'The Natural Born Crusher' told the South China Morning Post:
"It took time to return, but I think I've become stronger because of that experience."