“This fight is going to be a massive one” – Masaaki Noiri on the magnitude of a potential Rodtang vs Takeru showdown

Japanese kickboxing star Masaaki Noiri can't wait to see Takeru Segawa step inside the Circle with 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

For years, combat sports fans have debated who would win between ONE Championship's reigning flyweight Muay Thai world titleholder and K-1's first and only three-division champion. With both fighters now calling the world's largest martial arts organization home, it's just a matter of time before Rodtang and Takeru square off and settle the debate once and for all.

Masaaki Noiri, who is set to make his massive promotional debut at ONE 167 on Friday, June 7, recently spoke with the South China Morning Post, offering his prediction for who would come out on top in the dream fight.

"As a martial arts fan, I also want to see this fight," Noiri said. "I 100 percent believe this fight is going to be a massive one and it’s going to be really exciting for everyone. I'm really looking forward to watch that one as well. I am cheering for Takeru and I expect Takeru to win the fight."

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Masaaki Noiri looks to make his mark in his ONE Championship debut

After dominating the scene in Japan for years, the 31-year-old star will step into the spotlight on martial arts' biggest global stage for a showdown with seven-time kickboxing and Muay Thai champion Sitthichai Sitsonpeenong at ONE 167.

The bout will emanate from Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on a night when some of ONE Championship's biggest names will converge on The Land of Smiles to kickstart what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable summer of fights.

Masaaki Noiri has 49 career victories to his credit and is a two-division K-1 champion, claiming both the World GP lightweight and welterweight championships.

Will Noiri immediately establish himself as one of the featherweight kickboxing division's newest contenders, or will Sitthichai spoil his big debut and remind the world just how good he is?

ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 167 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime on Friday, June 7.