WATCH: Japanese kickboxing legend Takeru Segawa pushes through in training, looks in top form after harrowing leg injury

Despite sustaining a severe leg injury during his first ONE Championship appearance, Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru Segawa has quickly returned to training and is diligently preparing for his upcoming bout.

Entering the Circle at ONE 165 in Tokyo, Takeru faced off against Superlek Kiatmoo9, the current and defending ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion, in an intense battle that could potentially be named Fight of the Year. Throughout five rounds, the two fighters engaged in a fierce exchange, with ‘The Natural Born Crusher’ nearly securing a victory in the third round with a barrage of strikes.

Despite Takeru’s strong performance, Superlek’s consistent targeting of his lead leg ultimately proved to be the deciding factor, leading to his unanimous decision win.

After several weeks, the Japanese star has returned to the gym, pushing through the discomfort and honing his skills.

“I sleep a lot before I sleep,”he wrote on Instagram.

Despite no information being released about his second appearance in the Circle, it is likely that Takeru will have the opportunity to compete in front of his home country in Japan as the promotion prepares for a return there.

Takeru and Rodtang’s Inevitable Showdown

Once Takeru Segawa is fully recovered and back in action, it seems that ONE Championship fans have their sights set on only one opponent – the current ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion, Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

‘The Iron Man’ and ‘The Natural Born Crusher’ have been rumored to face off for years, causing a divide among fans. Now that both fighters are signed to ONE, it’s only a matter of time before we witness a showdown between two of the most skilled strikers in combat sports.

“I was often told that we had the same fighting style,”Takeru said referring to Rodtang during a press event late last year. “I first heard that there was a fighter in Thailand who had a fighting style like [mine], and I saw his match. Since that time, I have had a gut instinct that there is no one I would enjoy fighting more than this person.”