Following his powerful victory against Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo, Marat Grigorian opens up about the fight`s challenges, addresses the recent weight controversy, and outlines his immediate goal: securing the ONE Championship title belt.
After an eight-month hiatus triggered by a weight-miss controversy that led to the cancellation of his bout against Kaito Ono, Marat Grigorian made a triumphant return in Tokyo. He secured an emphatic victory over former K-1 World Champion Rukiya Anpo.
Although Grigorian ceded the opening round to the Japanese competitor, he quickly took control of the fight, landing heavy strikes to both the head and body. Following his victory, he sat down for an exclusive interview.
The Post-Fight Reaction
Interviewer: You just defeated Rukiya Anpo. How are you feeling now?
Marat Grigorian: I`m feeling great. I won, and that`s what truly matters to me. Yesterday, I genuinely feared the fight might be canceled again, and I felt low, but I am thrilled that I was able to compete today.
Turning the Tide
Interviewer: Anpo started very strong in the first round, but you staged a powerful comeback. What adjustment allowed you to turn the tide?
Marat Grigorian: Sometimes I just need a crucial push from my coach. Also, having been out of the ring for nearly a year—11 months—made a huge difference. I am accustomed to fighting much more frequently. Beyond that, my opponent was significantly heavier than me. But ultimately, that didn`t matter; I`m still the stronger fighter. I hit harder than him. He was heavier, but I simply didn`t care.
Addressing the Weight Controversy
Interviewer: Speaking of weight, you mentioned he was heavier. Last time we met, your fight with Kaito Ono was canceled because you were slightly over the limit…
Marat Grigorian: Yes, by 300 grams. And this time, Anpo was over by three kilograms.
Interviewer: How do you feel about the fans` reaction? Last time, the Japanese fans were reportedly furious about your weight miss. This time, Anpo`s rehydration weight was three kilograms over?
Marat Grigorian: Three kilos is a lot. He missed by a substantial amount. As a professional fighter, I felt truly bad about my 300-gram miss last time. I promised everyone that I would do everything in my power to make it right. I came in on weight this time. And yet, this Japanese guy, Anpo, didn`t make weight.
Interviewer: [Laughs] “This Japanese guy”? You just beat a superstar!
Marat Grigorian: Anpo didn`t make weight, but I didn`t let it distract me. I needed to showcase true fighting spirit, which Japanese people value highly. That`s exactly what I did.
Future Title Aspirations
Interviewer: Finally, what is next for you now that you have secured such a massive win over a superstar?
Marat Grigorian: My primary objective is the title belt. My secondary goal is to fight again as soon as possible.
Interviewer: If Superbon wins, perhaps you could face him in Thailand?
Marat Grigorian: No, I don`t want to fight him in Thailand! I want to fight him in Japan!
Interviewer: So, Superbon, Noiri, whoever wins—you want the fight in Japan, perhaps next year in April?
Marat Grigorian: April? Yes! That sounds like excellent news!
Interviewer: Congratulations again, Marat!
Oliver Croft