5 Urgent Questions Before ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri in Japan
Tokyo Set to Witness Martial Arts Showdown at ONE 173
Tokyo’s iconic Ariake Arena is set to become the center of the martial arts world on Sunday, November 16, as ONE Championship brings its most anticipated event yet to the land of the rising sun. The event, titled ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, will feature five World Title fights across MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, with a star-studded lineup that promises to crown new champions and settle long-standing rivalries.
With a stacked 17-bout fight card, fans can expect high-stakes action as the world's largest martial arts organization delivers an unforgettable night of combat. Here are five burning questions that will be answered when the Circle door closes this Sunday.
#1 Can Team Japan Score a Clean Sweep of Gold?
Three Japanese superstars will compete in World Title bouts at ONE 173, and the entire nation is watching closely to see if they can walk away with all the gold up for grabs.
Leading the charge is Masaaki Noiri, the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, who faces the challenge of unifying the division’s throne against reigning king Superbon. Noiri recently made a stunning comeback knockout over Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE 172 and will now look to extend his winning streak in front of his home crowd in Tokyo.
In the co-main event, Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu, the newly crowned ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion, will face Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, the reigning strawweight MMA titleholder. Wakamatsu has been in peak form and must bring his well-rounded skills to the Japanese capital to stop Pacio’s dream of two-division glory.
Last but not least, Nadaka, a 10-time Muay Thai World Champion, will take on Numsurin Chor Ketwina for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship. Nadaka is riding a 39-fight winning streak, while Numsurin remains unbeaten under the ONE banner with a perfect 6-0 record. This clash could be a thrilling battle of power and determination.
#2 Can Nong-O Be the One to Stop ‘The Iron Man’?
The vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship will be on the line when two of Thailand’s greatest strikers — Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and Nong-O Hama — go to war in an all-Thai classic. Rodtang, the former ruler of the division, lost his crown last year but returns after a quick knockout over Takeru Segawa. He will aim to reclaim the 26-pound gold and prove his dominance once again.
Standing in his way is Nong-O, a former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion who has ruled the bantamweight division for 1,526 days. Since moving to flyweight, he has shown he still possesses the technical brilliance and devastating kicks that make him one of the sport’s most decorated fighters.
This fight is more than just a championship match; it’s a brotherly showdown where respect and love will be put aside for a thrilling display of skill and heart.
#3 Can Takeru Stay Focused on the Road to Redemption?
After a painful defeat to Rodtang earlier this year, Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa faces a critical test of his mental fortitude. At ONE 173, he will return to action against Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric, a veteran fighter known for taking down bigger names.
Takeru’s focus and determination have always been key to his success, but this fight could reveal whether he is ready to move past his loss to Rodtang. While Takeru has the credentials of a former three-division K-1 World Champion, Puric is a spoiler who thrives when facing top-tier opponents.
This match could be the turning point in Takeru’s journey toward redemption.
#4 How Will Nabil Anane Look as a Featherweight?
Reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane will step up to featherweight for the first time at ONE 173. His massive 6-foot-4 frame has dominated the 145-pound division, but stepping up to featherweight presents a different challenge.
He will face Hiromi Wajima, a promotional newcomer looking to make a statement. At featherweight, opponents are generally larger and stronger, which could test Anane’s ability to adapt.
While the move might unlock more power for Anane, it also exposes potential vulnerabilities that smaller opponents couldn’t exploit.
#5 Is Stamp the Same Fighter She Was Two Years Ago?
Stamp Fairtex, the organization’s only three-sport World Champion, returns to action for the first time in over two years when she faces Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto in an atomweight kickboxing bout.
The biggest concern surrounding her return is her surgically repaired knee, which kept her sidelined since 2023. Her resume remains impressive, but nearly two years away from elite competition may have affected her confidence.
Despite the challenges, the Tokyo crowd is eager to see her return to the Circle and witness the performance they’ve been waiting for.
