Full Breakdown
ONE Samurai 1: Takeru Segawa’s Retirement Bout and ONE Championship’s Japan Push
4/29/2026, 11:30:28 PM
Event Overview
ONE Championship debuted its Japan-focused series with ONE Samurai 1 on 29 April 2026 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena (15,000 capacity). The pay-per-view card featured four titles, headlined by Takeru Segawa versus Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the interim flyweight kickboxing championship, marking Segawa’s retirement fight.
Background & Context
The Samurai series supports ONE’s plan to cement a market presence in Japan, complementing a new licensing deal with CAA aimed at expanding merchandise and fan-engagement. Rodtang’s return follows a contract dispute with ONE involving alleged forged signatures, though details remain undisclosed.
Key Figures & Stakes
Takeru Segawa (34-year-old, 45-5 record) seeks to cap his career with the interim title. Rodtang Jitmuangnon aims for a second win. Yuya Wakamatsu defends the flyweight MMA belt, Nadaka Yoshinari the atomweight Muay-Thai belt, and Jonathan Haggerty the bantamweight kickboxing belt.
Timeline & Numbers
March 2025: Segawa’s first bout with Rodtang ends in an 80-second knockout.
28 April 2026: weigh-ins and hydration tests.
29 April 2026: event night, four titles contested.
Segawa’s record: 45-5, 35-fight win streak. Ariake Arena seats 15,000.
Official Statements
ONE called the Samurai card “the first Japan-focused fight card” to “establish a foothold in the country’s combat-sports market.” CAA’s Elaine Chiu described the partnership as a “global content powerhouse,” and ONE co-founder Hua Fung Teh said it will “deepen our connection with martial-arts fans beyond our live broadcasts.”
Criticism & Opposition
Rodtang’s return follows a “falling out over a contract dispute with ONE that included… forged signatures,” a claim the promotion has not clarified. ONE called the main event “rather one-sided.”
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Wakamatsu called Segawa’s career “truly extraordinary,” and Hirata said he “became the face of martial arts” for many fighters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on details of Rodtang’s forged-signature dispute and on the path from interim to full championship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well, I think this fight will define my career. This is the finale of my career as a fighter. So by winning against Rodtang and winning the belt will be the completion of my career.” — Takeru Segawa, Fighter
- “ONE Championship is a global content powerhouse that we are thrilled to partner with to bring licensed products to their ardent fanbase. At this pivotal moment of exponential growth for ONE, establishing its licensed consumer products in these key home markets is very exciting.” — Elaine Chiu, Head of Asia-Pacific, CAA Brand Management
- “Partnering with a global leader like CAA Brand Management allows us to deepen our connection with these martial arts fans beyond our live broadcasts.” — Hua Fung Teh, ONE Co-founder and Group President
What’s Next
The Inner Circle, ONE’s next live-streamed event, will occur on 1 May 2026 at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, featuring featherweight Muay-Thai and bantamweight kickboxing bouts, while CAA rolls out merchandise across Thailand, Singapore and Japan.
