ONE 172: Marat Grigorian vows to ‘bring the fire’ against top Japanese kickboxer Kaito Ono
Armenian powerhouse says the fight in his second home will be ‘one of the best fights of the evening’ if his opponent lives up to his billing
Marat Grigorian is ready to bring the fire to Tokyo as he prepares to face Japanese kickboxing star Kaito Ono at ONE 172. The Armenian powerhouse is no stranger to the bright lights, and he anticipates a banger at the Saitama Super Arena.
“I like the fight card, it’s very exciting,” he told the Post. “Every fight has something special. You need to watch this fight.”
Kaito has been hailed as Japan’s top kickboxer, and Grigorian is eager to test him in the ring. “I heard he’s the best Japanese kickboxing fighter,” he said. “He wants the real deal, so we will see on Sunday. That’s what he’s going to get.”
Grigorian is well aware of Japan’s rich history in combat sports and relishes the opportunity to compete against its finest. “Japan has really good fighters in the lightweight and lower classes,” he said. “They are really strong-minded people. They have strong discipline.”
He expects Kaito to use his reach advantage, but he has no intention of letting his opponent dictate the fight. “Kaito is a tall guy, he uses his distance very well,” Grigorian said. “But I will not let him do anything. I will bring the fire with me.”
Japan has long been a second home for Grigorian, and the support he receives from the fans fuels his motivation. “I’m always surprised about the love I get in Japan,” he said. “It feels great. It motivates me to improve more and more. Fighting in a big stadium again, it’s been a long time since I did that. Before Covid-19, I fought on big stages, so I’m very excited.”