Japanese fighters at ONE SAMURAI 1 pay tribute to Takeru Segawa ahead of his final bout

Takeru Segawa steps into the ring for the final time in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live via pay-per-view from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, April 29.

The 34-year-old former three-division K-1 Champion faces Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title in his retirement bout. Takeru compiled a 45-5 professional record across a career that included a 35-fight winning streak and crossover fame that brought thousands of new fans to combat sports in Japan.

His reach extends well beyond titles. The fighters who will share the card with him at Ariake Arena grew up watching him compete, and several of them credit his presence with shaping the path that brought them to ONE Championship. Ahead of fight night, they spoke about what his career has meant to them personally and to Japanese martial arts.

ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya Wakamatsu put it plainly. The responsibility Takeru is leaving behind belongs to the next wave.

“What Takeru has accomplished is something truly extraordinary. It’s something no one else can replicate. His fights and his presence are uniquely his. He’s announced his retirement, but I’m truly grateful to be competing on the same event as him,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Like I said, he’s done things only he could do. He’s been an irreplaceable presence. Now, it’s up to us to carry on what he built.”

How Takeru Segawa’s legacy shaped the next wave of Japanese stars

ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka Yoshinari addressed the challenge head-on. Takeru’s retirement leaves a gap in Japan’s striking scene that goes beyond results. Charisma and star power built his platform, and Nadaka knows that is what the next generation must also deliver.

“Takeru’s retirement, honestly, in Japan’s striking scene right now, how should I say … it’s a really big deal, and it will have a huge impact. To improve the perception of martial arts after Takeru’s retirement, it’s not just about results, but also charisma and star power. I want to be in that position,” he said.

Others echoed that weight. Flyweight kickboxer Hyu Iwata went further, arguing that ONE SAMURAI 1 itself exists because of what Takeru built.

“My feeling toward Takeru is that this big ONE event is happening in Japan now only because he has consistently kept the martial arts scene exciting all these years. Since he said this will be his retirement match, I just hope he gives it everything he’s got against Rodtang. I really want him to go all out for his last fight. That’s how I feel.”