ONE Championship`s return to Japan at the Saitama Super Arena for ONE 172 saw all three mixed martial arts contests conclude decisively in the opening round.
In a flyweight title bout, Yuya Wakamatsu faced Adriano Moraes for the championship that became vacant after Demetrious Johnson`s retirement. Wakamatsu secured a TKO victory in under four minutes.
Wakamatsu established ring control early, landing a powerful right hand followed by an uppercut that stunned Moraes. After a brief clinch, Wakamatsu unleashed a series of strikes upon separation. The fight concluded shortly after as Wakamatsu connected with a barrage of uppercuts, dropping Moraes and prompting the referee to halt the contest at 3:39 of the first round.
With the renowned Ryo Chonan in his corner, “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu extends his winning streak to four fights, avenging his previous submission loss to Moraes from 2022.
The co-main MMA event featured the fourth showdown between Shinya Aoki and Eduard Folayang. “Tobikan Judan” Aoki emerged victorious once again with a first-round submission over Folayang. Despite Folayang initially defending a takedown and landing knees, Aoki transitioned to guard, swiftly locking in a decisive armbar.
The opening MMA fight of the event witnessed Adrian Lee improve his professional record to 3-0, securing a rapid anaconda choke submission against Takeharu Ogawa in just 63 seconds.
The kickboxing portion of the card was highlighted by Rodtang Jitmuangnon`s spectacular first-round knockout in a highly anticipated main event against Takeru Segawa. Rodtang finished the fight with a powerful left hand. Former UFC fighter and ONE bantamweight champion John Lineker also competed in kickboxing, suffering a split decision defeat to Hiroki Akimoto.
Here are the ONE 172 results:
Rodtang Jitmuangnon defeated Takeru Segawa by KO – Round 1, 1:20 [kickboxing]
Masaaki Noiri defeated Tawanchai PK Saenchai by TKO – Round 1, 1:55 [kickboxing]
Yuya Wakamatsu defeated Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes by TKO – Round 1, 3:39
Jonathan Di Bella defeated Sam-A Gaiyanghadao by unanimous decision [kickboxing]
Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom defeated Kana Morimoto by unanimous decision [kickboxing]
Nabil Anane defeated Superlek Kiatmoo9 by unanimous decision [muay Thai]
Nadaka Yoshinari defeated Rak Erawan by KO – Round 3, 2:40 [muay Thai]
Shinya Aoki defeated Eduard Folayang by submission (armbar) – Round 1, 0:53
Hiroki Akimoto defeated John Lineker by split decision [kickboxing]
Adrian Lee defeated Takeharu Ogawa by submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 1:03
Shimon Yoshinari defeats Yodlekpet Or Atchariya by unanimous decision [muay Thai]
Hyu defeated Zakaria El Jamari by KO – Round 1, 2:12 [kickboxing]
Ryusei defeats Suriyanlek Por Yenying by unanimous decision [kickboxing]
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely