Post-Event Report: "ONE SAMURAI Kickoff Conference" Held – Takeru and Rodtang, Facing Retirement Match, Take the Stage! Both Declare "I Will Definitely Win" Forcefully.

ONE Championship (Group ONE Holding) held the "ONE SAMURAI Kickoff Conference" at Hosho Noh Theater on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Founder and CEO Chatri Sityodtong took the stage to officially announce the new Japan original series "ONE SAMURAI." The event kicked off with a special opening act featuring an original movie screening, a performance by the Japanese taiko drum group Kodo, and an iaido sword demonstration.

Fighters confirmed to compete in "ONE SAMURAI 1" on Wednesday, April 29, including Rodtang and Takeru, as well as Yuya Wakamatsu, Yuki Yoza, Kaito, Haruyuu, and Jonathan Haggerty, appeared on stage. Additionally, Nadaka Yoshinari and Sonchai Noi, who were announced on the day to compete in the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship bout, also took the stage to express their enthusiasm for their respective matches.

Furthermore, Shuntaro Tanaka, CEO of ONE Championship Japan, and Ali Steiman, Head of Asia for Roblox Japan, took the stage to announce their collaboration with Roblox Corporation.

ONE Championship Founder and CEO Chatri Sityodtong took the stage to make an announcement, including additional information, about "ONE SAMURAI 1."

Chatri Sityodtong took the stage and announced the official partnership agreements with RISE, KNOCK OUT, Shoot Boxing, Pancrase, and Shooto.

Regarding ONE SAMURAI, CEO Chatri commented, "Above all, this series will bring a wonderful future to the athletes. Regardless of their fame, we are prepared to pay bonuses based on their fighting spirit. For fans, it will be a tournament where they can feel the stories of fighters challenging the world."

Finally, addressing Japanese fans, he powerfully concluded, "Please come to Ariake Arena on April 29. Let's witness together the moment ONE SAMURAI carves out a new era."

Rodtang vs. Takeru, Nadaka Yoshinari vs. Sonchai Noi, Yuya Wakamatsu, Yuki Yoza, Haggerty, Kaito, and Haruyuu also appeared on stage! They shared their enthusiasm for their upcoming matches.

Takeru "My previous fight against Rodtang was, I would say, the most humiliating loss of my career. I'm happy to have a rematch, and I will definitely avenge that humiliation. I want to put on a fight that shows Japanese fans the excitement of ONE SAMURAI, but since this is my retirement match, I want to fight wholeheartedly just for myself and definitely win the belt, so I hope everyone comes to see that."

Rodtang "I think anyone can say anything at a press conference. The real battle will be decided in the ring on April 29, and of course, I believe I will win. This confidence comes from my hard training, and I have thoroughly studied Takeru and know almost all of his style, so I will win. Finally, Japanese fans, please don't hate me if I win."

Nadaka Yoshinari "I defeated Sonchai Noi once four years ago, but looking at his recent fights, his speed and power are completely different. I'm approaching this not as someone I've beaten before, but as a strong opponent I'm facing for the first time. As a champion, my fights change how Muay Thai is perceived, so I want to have a good fight and defend my title by KO."

Sonchai Noi "Since our last match, my own abilities in speed, power, and all aspects have improved. Yoshinari is an excellent fighter who analyzes his opponents during a match and adapts quickly. Although we've fought before, I also want to approach this as if I'm fighting a new opponent. I've been training hard, and I'm determined to win the belt."

Yuya Wakamatsu "Becoming a champion gave me confidence. However, I feel even more that my biggest enemy is myself. My theme for the title defense is to overcome myself and give my all. I believe Hormirzaev is the strongest opponent I've faced, but I'm confident that if I overcome myself on April 29 and show the strongest Yuya Wakamatsu ever, the fight will end in an early round."

Yuki Yoza "I'm finally getting the chance for a title match on the inaugural stage of 'ONE SAMURAI.' I can't wait to win and become champion. I think Haggerty has more 5-round experience, and he's an all-rounder in terms of how to score points in ONE and overall, but I believe I'm superior in all aspects, so I want to win by KO."

Jonathan Haggerty "All my opponents so far have been tough, but I have won against all of them. Yoza is also a formidable opponent with power and confidence, but I have trained harder than ever and prepared with a great team. I am completely confident in victory."

Kaito "Grigorian is a strong fighter who comes forward. Conversely, I want to show a fight where I put pressure on him and make him retreat. Of course, there's history between us, but right now, I just strongly want to defeat the strong Grigorian and win. I'm focused on April 29 and will definitely knock him out."

Haruyuu "Naito has experience in ONE, but I feel my quality is superior in all aspects, such as accuracy and power of attacks, so I definitely want people to come and see it. I will definitely knock him out and win, so please look forward to it. Also, I want to fight for a title shot within this year. Whenever the opportunity comes, I'm ready to go for the championship, so I'm just waiting for ONE to make the call."

Announcement of collaboration with Roblox Corporation, the world's largest game platform! Shuntaro Tanaka, CEO of ONE Championship Japan, and Ali Steiman, Head of Asia for Roblox Japan, took the stage.