ONE SAMURAI 1 Brings World Title Fight, Takeru Segawa’s Farewell, and Rising Stars as 60-Event Series Begins in Tokyo
ONE Championship’s new monthly series in Japan, ONE SAMURAI, launches its inaugural event on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena. The main event features a highly anticipated rematch for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship between Japanese star Takeru Segawa and Thai champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon. This bout represents Segawa’s final professional fight as he prepares to retire from competition.
Segawa, a 34-year-old former three-division K-1 champion, has stated that this fight is the culmination of his entire career. “I believe this fight will be the one to depart the proof of what I have done as a fighter. I consider this retirement fight the culmination of everything I have done as a fighter, and not just a regular fight of my career,” he said. Victory would allow him to win the ONE Championship belt and defeat the opponent he has long sought to overcome before retiring.
The event also serves as a platform for rising Japanese talent, with several domestic fighters featured on the card. Segawa has expressed his hope that ONE SAMURAI will become a destination event where fighters from various organizations compete to determine who is the strongest, much like K-1 did in its era. He aims for the series to reshape Japan’s combat sports landscape and provide future generations with meaningful opportunities.
ONE SAMURAI is planned as a 60-event series that will run monthly throughout Japan. As the headliner of the inaugural edition, Segawa understands that his performance will set the tone for all future events in the series. The first event takes place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, with subsequent events scheduled to be held across different venues in the country.
For Segawa, this fight carries significance beyond personal achievement. He views it as an opportunity to carry Japan’s martial arts legacy onto the global stage, drawing from his karate roots and desire to showcase the bushido spirit to the world. The event is being positioned as a landmark moment for martial arts in Japan, potentially marking the beginning of a new era in the country’s combat sports scene.
Key Takeaways
- ONE SAMURAI 1 launches ONE Championship’s new 60-event monthly series in Japan on April 29, 2026
- Main event: Takeru Segawa vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon for ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title
- Segawa confirms this is his retirement fight and the culmination of his career
- Event features rising Japanese stars alongside the main attraction
- Segawa aims for ONE SAMURAI to become a premier destination for combat sports in Japan
FAQ
What is ONE SAMURAI?
ONE SAMURAI is ONE Championship’s new monthly event series launched in Japan, with the inaugural event taking place on April 29, 2026, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. The series is planned to run for 60 events across various venues in Japan.
Who is fighting in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 1?
The main event features Takeru Segawa facing Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship. This is Segawa’s final professional fight before retirement.
Why is this fight significant for Takeru Segawa?
Segawa has stated that this fight represents the culmination of his entire career. Victory would allow him to win the ONE Championship belt and defeat his long-time rival before retiring, leaving proof of his achievements as a fighter.
Where is ONE SAMURAI 1 taking place?
ONE SAMURAI 1 is being held at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
What is Segawa’s vision for the ONE SAMURAI series?
Segawa hopes the series will become a destination event where fighters from different organizations compete to determine who is the strongest, similar to how K-1 functioned in its prime. He aims for the series to reshape Japan’s combat sports landscape and provide valuable opportunities for future generations of fighters.