Copyright sportskeeda
Rukiya Anpo may talk trash, but he's not blind to the elite credentials standing across from him in Tokyo, Japan.The 29-year-old former K-1 champion makes his promotional debut against veteran Armenian striker Marat Grigorian in a featherweight kickboxing bout inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA ahead of their highly anticipated clash at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, the Japanese warrior offered a remarkably candid assessment of his opponent's decorated career and what this matchup means to him.Rukiya Anpo said:"Other than the ONE Championship [belt], Marat Grigorian has had all the major belts in kickboxing. I really respect Marat Grigorian's career and I accept that he is my strongest opponent in kickboxing ever."'Demolition Man's' acknowledgment of Grigorian's accomplishments stands in stark contrast to the verbal warfare the two have engaged in since the ONE 173 press conference last month.The 34-year-old Hemmers Gym affiliate is a former three-time Glory kickboxing world champion and former two-time ONE featherweight kickboxing world title challenger who has competed at the elite level for years.He's faced the sport's best—including reigning ONE featherweight kickboxing king Superbon, former ONE world champion Chingiz Allazov, and multi-time world champion Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.Though the Japanese striker envisions defeating the Armenian veteran and positioning himself for a future world title shot, his words suggest genuine respect for a man who has been at the very helm of the kickboxing realm for close to two decades. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostRukiya Anpo happy to take one step at a time in world title dream in ONEIn the same interview, Rukiya Anpo declared that he's in no rush to secure a world title shot in ONE Championship.The promotional newcomer said he'll leave that job up to the ONE matchmakers or the fans, admitting that he'll be willing to take whatever comes his way next, even if it means waiting a bit longer to face the ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion.The 29-year-old added:"That's something that ONE Championship or the fans will decide. I will not ask for a title fight immediately. Whatever ONE Championship thinks, I will accept. I will just beat whoever is in front of me."Secure your seats for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri here. Fans tuning in worldwide can visit watch.onefc.com for broadcast details in their region.
