Marat Grigorian felt Rukiya Anpo’s words were disrespectful during their pre-fight press meeting, and he’s now aiming to demonstrate his fighting prowess within the ring.
The Armenian fighter will face off against the former three-time K-1 titleholder in a featherweight kickboxing match at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, held at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The tension between the two fighters became obvious during their meeting in September.
At the press conference, Anpo suggested Grigorian’s style was easy to read and not complex. Grigorian, representing Hemmers Gym, kept calm during their interaction, but he has felt disrespected since then.
Grigorian is planning to make the new fighter pay the price for his pre-fight comments. The 34-year-old has competed with some of the best strikers worldwide for almost twenty years, even competing twice for ONE Championship’s top title, while winning against well-known fighters such as Superbon and Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.
The Armenian believes that Anpo is simply trying to hide his concern with strong statements. His history of handling intense situations against high-level opponents gives him belief that the Japanese fighter’s confidence will fall apart when the fight begins. The 29-year-old fighter will soon discover exactly who his opponent is.
“He’s been saying a lot, hasn’t he? He’s lost touch with reality. He believes he can simply enter, defeat me easily, and end the fight as if I’m not a threat. Everyone is aware that I am far more capable than he thinks,” he said.
“When people speak negatively about me, I’ll make certain they regret it. As the days pass, he will come to understand the level of opponent he will be facing. I intend to bring intensity, and he will experience the consequences.”
Marat Grigorian is determined to win decisively
Marat Grigorian has stated clearly that he prefers not to leave the decision to the judges in this important featherweight kickboxing fight. Throughout his respected career, the fighter from Antwerp has achieved 36 wins by knockout out of his 68 total wins. He desires an aggressive fight against Anpo. Moreover, he promises to deliver a beating that will make the Japanese fighter wish he hadn’t spoken at all.
His preparation focused on Anpo’s rhythm while maintaining his own power and accuracy, which has led him to many World Championships. Nick Hemmers, who created and leads Hemmers Gym in Breda, Netherlands, made sure his star fighter understood the challenge the new fighter presents.
Grigorian has studied recordings of Anpo in detail and thinks that the former K-1 competitor will use movement and speed early on, before possibly fighting defensively as pressure increases. He has prepared for situations where the Japanese fighter will try to frustrate him with steady side-to-side movement.
Beyond the personal feelings, there is a bigger opportunity at stake. The current ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, Superbon, is fighting against the interim titleholder, Masaaki Noiri, in the main event to unify the title. Grigorian aims to face the winner of that fight, and having twice missed out on his World Title goals, the Dutch-style kickboxer believes the third attempt will be successful.
“I feel it’s his way of hiding his concern – the concern that he knows what will happen in Tokyo,” Grigorian said.
“Using my strength, I will strike him through the chin. I just want to defeat him severely. I want to feel my knuckles connect with his chin.”
