Marat Grigorian Prepares for Sixth Showdown Against Sitthichai at ONE 165

26 January 2024

In the upcoming clash at ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru, the longstanding rivalry between Marat Grigorian and Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong is set to enter its sixth chapter, promising another thrilling chapter in their storied history. The highly anticipated bout between the #2-ranked featherweight kickboxing contender, Grigorian, and the #3-ranked Thai legend, Sitthichai, is scheduled to take place this Sunday, January 28, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Despite almost five years having passed since their last encounter, where Grigorian secured his first victory over Sitthichai and claimed the Glory Kickboxing World Championship, the Armenian superstar remains as motivated as ever to face his old foe. Speaking to onefc.com ahead of the contest, Grigorian revealed his premonition about the rematch, stating, "The weird thing is I always knew we would fight again. From the first fight, I told my coach that we would meet many times. I told him that in 2015. And today, it’s nine years later, and we are meeting again."

Having already battled through 21 rounds, Grigorian and Sitthichai share a level of respect that transcends their fierce competition. Despite the competitive history, both fighters anticipate another intense clash, emphasizing the continual improvement in their skills over the years.

While Grigorian acknowledged the difficulty of facing Sitthichai, he expressed confidence in his abilities and a belief in being on par with his adversary, stating, "Fighting against Sitthichai is always hard. You always have to give everything you have in your tank." Reflecting on their past encounters, Grigorian acknowledged the challenges but remained steadfast in his pursuit of victory.

Both fighters enter the ring with a 2-2 record in their last four outings, navigating a highly competitive division with elite opponents. At 32 years old, they recognize the significance of this upcoming match, understanding that a loss could be a significant setback in their quest for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title.

Grigorian emphasized the importance of the upcoming bout, stating, "This fight is very important. It will affect who is going forward again and going for the World Title, and for both of us, that is a big thing." He expressed his commitment to giving his all in the fight, acknowledging the high stakes and the impact on their respective careers.

Realistic about the challenge posed by Sitthichai, Grigorian understands the slim chances of a knockout but remains determined to secure a victory. With both fighters possessing elite skill sets and a history of closely contested matches, Grigorian recognizes the fine line between victory and defeat in their upcoming clash.

In conclusion, Grigorian affirmed his hunger for success, stating, "I want to win and show a strong fight. Then when I get the win, I know I will fight again soon, so I will do everything I can to win this fight against Sitthichai and to get closer to the belt." The stage is set for a compelling showdown as these two kickboxing titans prepare to add another chapter to their enthralling rivalry.