The 34-year-old Armenian striker punished the local hero over the course of three rounds to improve his record to 69-14 and keep his ambitions for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title alive.
Grigorian, a three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion, delivered a by-the-book performance in hostile territory, breaking Anpo’s rhythm with non-stop pressure and hard shots to the legs, body and head. It was the kind of impeccable performance that has defined his illustrious career.
Grigorian shows respect for the spirit of the Japanese warrior
The intense rivalry that flared up for months did not stop Grigorian from recognizing his opponent’s resilience in defeat. The Armenian veteran praised Anpo’s durability and warrior spirit, noting how the 30-year-old continued to march forward despite significant damage during the three-round war.
Grigorian has built his reputation on devastating power that breaks opponents both physically and mentally. His arsenal of hooks, uppercuts and overhands has stopped countless opponents from progressing. Still, Anpo showed exceptional toughness in weathering the storm and maintaining his aggression from start to finish, earning the admiration of the pound-for-pound big.
“His toughness definitely has my respect. Even though he came in heavier, he showed courage. Japanese athletes are known for that, and he proved it. He took some hard shots and kept trying. Respect to him,” the Armenian said.
Perfectionist mentality drives Armenian star
Securing a convincing unanimous decision victory on Japanese soil would satisfy most competitors, but Grigorian’s relentless pursuit of excellence leaves little room for complacency. The Armenian was happy to leave the Ariake Arena with the victory, a path to the featherweight crown and bragging rights over his rival. However, he sees opportunities for further growth.
“I was satisfied with my performance, but I always feel there is room for improvement. I am a perfectionist. Even with a strong performance like this, I see details that I can sharpen,” he said.
Grigorian elaborated on the technical refinements he plans to implement, demonstrating the elite-level thinking that has seen him through a career marked by World Championships. His relentless dedication to developing his craft remains a defining characteristic of his fighting philosophy.
“I can always be sharper, add more volume at certain moments, tighten my combinations and maybe push forward more when the openings are there,” the Armenian said.
A world title fight with Superbon could wait for ONE 175
Following Superbon’s unification of the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship in the main event of ONE 173, Grigorian’s championship ambitions have found their mark. The Armenian immediately set his sights on the Thai icon for a fourth meeting, expressing strong interest in participating in ONE 175, recently announced for the Ariake Arena on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
“I would like to be part of that card. Superbon is the fight I want. It would be perfect to do it in Tokyo – big names, big energy. I’m always ready. April 28 would be perfect,” said Grigorian. “Fighting in Japan is always special. I felt that same electricity again at ONE 173. It was just as exciting as I always remembered it.”
The anticipated title fight carries with it a significant backstory as the two standout legends have clashed twice under the ONE Championship banner, with Superbon scoring unanimous victories in both encounters. Their rivalry extends beyond ONE, however, as Grigorian scored a spectacular 29-second knockout of the Thai superstar in their 2018 meeting outside the promotion, creating a fascinating story for their potential fourth chapter and adding intrigue to what promises to be another striking showcase at the elite level.
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