Takeru Segawa is gearing up for a fresh challenge at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut. The fighter has only been lost once under promotion in his fight against Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Originally scheduled to square off against Thai star Black Panther at ONE’s quarterly tentpole event in Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, September 27, “The Natural Born Crusher” will now face Myanmar’s Thant Zin.

Takeru Segawa returns to the ONE Championship cage, seeking redemption

Takeru is one of the most decorated kickboxers in the world, and his arrival in ONE Championship was met with much anticipation. He challenged “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the flyweight kickboxing crown in his promotional debut at ONE 165 last January and put up a significant challenge to the pound-for-pound great.

Unfortunately, the Japanese powerhouse’s heart and persistence couldn’t overcome Superlek that evening, and he slipped to a unanimous decision loss after five thrilling rounds. To make matters worse, Takeru suffered a nasty leg injury during the bout, which forced him to take an extended break. Now, though, he’s ready for his second outing.

Thant Zin may not be the original opponent chosen for that battle, but he will pose a notable threat. The Burmese striker made a strong impression upon his debut in ONE. He scored back-to-back knockout wins in his first two fights, against Jaising Sitnayokpansak at ONE Friday Fights 52 in February and Tai Sor Jor Piek Uthai at ONE Friday Fights 76 last month.

Takeru vs. Thant Zin set to ignite the stage

With not much damage sustained, Thant Zin was hoping for a quick turnaround, and he’s got it against Takeru. Fans can bet he’ll lay it all out when he comes up against his much-lauded foe. And with Takeru seeking his first win in the world’s largest martial arts organization, their battle is sure to be fireworks.

ONE Friday Fights 81 will be headlined by a featherweight Muay Thai clash between ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon and promotional mainstay “Smokin” Jo Nattawut.

The event will also see four former ONE World Champions – Hiroki Akimoto, Ilias Ennahachi, Nong-O Hama, and Sam-A Gaiyanghadao – in action, as well as some of the world’s best strikers showcasing their talents when it goes down on September 27.