ONE 173 preview and prediction: Marat Grigorian vs. Rukiya Anpo

Marat Grigorian and Rukiya Anpo will put their back-and-forth verbal war aside for a striking masterclass in what promises to be one of the most heated battles in kickboxing history on Nov. 16.

The 34-year-old Armenian, a former three-time Glory world champion, faces the 30-year-old promotional debutant in a featherweight kickboxing battle, which will be part of the massive ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri card inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena this Sunday, Nov. 16.

The heated rivalry has captivated fans for months, with Marat Grigorian calling Anpo "delusional" and suggesting the Japanese striker's constant trash talk is "just his way to hide his fear."

Meanwhile, Anpo has fired back with bold predictions and unwavering confidence in his abilities.

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For Grigorian, a statement victory over the brash challenger on Japanese soil would prove he remains a legitimate threat in the featherweight kickboxing division.

On Anpo's end, shocking the veteran would announce his arrival on martial arts' grandest stage in spectacular fashion.

Here's our official prediction for this featherweight kickboxing matchup inside the Japanese capital city this Sunday, Nov. 16. Pay-per-view tickets for the star-studded event can be purchased here.

Prediction: Marat Grigorian via KO in Round 2

Though Anpo possesses legitimate skills and brings significant hype into his promotional debut, Marat Grigorian's forward-pressure excellence and veteran savvy will prove too much at ONE 173.

The Armenian is one of the best forward-pressure fighters in the world. He's mean, calculated, and never misses the mark inside the pocket where most exchanges will take place.

He'll be up against a rangier Anpo, but the Antwerp-based veteran shouldn't take too long to solve that puzzle before he works with shots to the body or the legs.

If Anpo reacts just as he wants him to, Grigorian will start creating a route to his chin. Grigorian's volume when his opponent becomes a static target is ridiculous, too.

The Hemmers Gym affiliate can throw six-piece combinations in the blink of an eye, overwhelming opponents who try to stand their ground against his pressure.

This is where I see him getting the job done against Anpo when the Japanese striker is backed onto the Circle fence, unable to use his reach advantage or establish the distance he needs to operate comfortably.

Grigorian will mix in uppercuts, hooks, and overhands across Anpo's face and frame with devastating precision. Power and precision are a bad mixture for anyone standing across from Grigorian, and Anpo will be forced to eat his words after all the pre-fight banter.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak