Hiroyuki Tetsuka will look to turn into simple at ONE 168: Denver. On Friday, September 6, the “Japanese Beast” goes toe-to-toe towards Isi Fitikefu in a welterweight contender’s matchup. With 5 consecutive finishes to his credit score, Tetsuka is able to push that streak to 6 to turn into the following ONE Championship welterweight challenger.
“When it comes to MMA, my placing, takedowns, and submissions are working collectively extra easily now. I really feel my MMA-specific abilities have actually improved. I’m assured I received’t lose to anybody in MMA,” Tetsuka instructed ONE.
Tetsuka is making ready for a stiff problem from Fitikefu. The 34-year-old sees the matchup as being even throughout a number of variables, however he thinks the distinction might be his expertise contained in the Circle. With that distinction, Tetsuka is eyeing a key win contained in the Ball Enviornment.
“We’re about the identical peak. His combating model is sort of much like my earlier model. He’s good at again chokes on the bottom, however he additionally is available in onerous with stand-up placing. He makes use of his physicality and explosive energy. He’s bodily sturdy, in all probability as a result of he was once a rugby participant. He’s athletic and has refined his grappling and placing abilities. Nevertheless, I feel I’ve extra expertise and a wider vary of methods. I wish to present the distinction in our expertise and ability set,” the Japanese star remarked.
The “Japanese Beast” didn’t make a transparent prediction for the match, as he’s open to ending the battle in any method. Nevertheless, ought to Fitikefu show too robust, he’s ready to go the total three rounds. Both approach, Tetsuka will depend on his adaptability on September 6.
“There are a lot of methods [to win]. I may land a counter and knock him out or take him down and pound him out. He’s solely misplaced by choice as soon as and has by no means been completed. I plan to offer him his first end loss, however I often adapt to the circulate of the battle. There are actually some ways I may win,” Tetsuka acknowledged.
Ought to Tetsuka get his hand raised, he’s not banking on an instantaneous title shot. ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Christian Lee is returning, however he’ll defend the ONE Light-weight MMA World Title at ONE 169: Atlanta first. Tetsuka, realizing this, is open to the potential of an interim title.
“If I get six consecutive finishes, I imagine I needs to be in line for a title shot. After all, I perceive that the promotion makes these choices, however I actually hope for it. Nevertheless, Christian has a light-weight title battle in Atlanta in November, so the welterweight division may be stagnant for some time. I’d be glad if they may arrange an interim title battle,” the 34-year-old mentioned.
Ought to an interim title be so as, the Japanese star already has two attainable opponents in thoughts. Tetsuka solely needs to compete towards the division’s finest. It doesn’t matter what comes subsequent, the 34-year-old needs his probability to show he’s the most effective on this planet.
“If not Christian, then perhaps the previous champion Zebaztian Kadestam or Roberto Soldic. They’re each very sturdy fighters,” Tetsuka mentioned.
ONE 168: Denver emanates from the Ball Enviornment on Friday, September 6. The occasion airs stay on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Remaining tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.
