"He doesn't stand a chance" - Marat Grigorian can't see Rukiya Anpo beating him in any way at ONE 173

Three-time kickboxing world champion Marat Grigorian respects his opponent's credentials, but he's absolutely certain about how their showdown will unfold in Tokyo.

The 34-year-old Armenian striker faces promotional newcomer Rukiya Anpo in a featherweight kickboxing bout at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, Nov. 16.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA ahead of their highly anticipated clash, the Hemmers Gym affiliate offered his most definitive assessment yet of the Japanese challenger's chances inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

"He's a good, strong, former champ. I will welcome him in ONE. I was also a former K-1 champion. Besides his mouth, he's really a fighter that I can respect. He's made a name for himself, but against Marat Grigorian, he doesn't stand a chance," Marat Grigorian said.

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With Superbon and Masaaki Noiri unifying the divisional world title in the main event, a dominant performance from Grigorian would immediately insert him back into the world title picture.

Could Grigorian prove his bold prediction correct, or will Anpo shock the world and make the veteran eat his words?

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Marat Grigorian certain he'll "shine" against Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo

Marat Grigorian is no stranger to fighting under the brightest lights of combat sports, and he's pumped for the golden opportunity to compete in Japan on one of martial arts' greatest fight cards yet.

The Belgium-based fighter said he lives for moments like this, and he's fired up to have the last laugh in his back-and-forth war with Anpo over the past few months.

"I'm pumped. Big stage, big fight – that's what I live for. This is where I shine. I cannot wait to fight in Tokyo and make a statement. This is my chance to shut this guy up," he told Sportskeeda MMA in the same exchange.

Fight fans can purchase their PPV passes for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri here. The promotion's grand return to Tokyo features five world championship bouts spanning MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak