Marat Grigorian shares his thoughts on Masaaki Noiri's semifinal victory in Tokyo ahead of the tournament final.
Veteran kickboxer Marat Grigorian advanced to the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament final without fighting on Saturday, October 17, after his opponent Luo Chao missed weight and was disqualified at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Because his semifinal bout was canceled, the Armenian athlete secured a front-row view to study Masaaki Noiri in his semifinal clash against Mohammad Siasarani, carefully observing the tactical battle unfold inside the ring.
Following the event, the experienced striker evaluated the judges decision and shared his perspective on the upcoming championship matchup, according to information published by bjpenn.
Analyzing the Noiri and Siasarani Semifinal Bout
During the semifinal encounter, Masaaki Noiri attacked the legs early and threw heavy combinations, while the 24-year-old Iranian fighter answered with hard counters over three intense rounds before the Japanese star secured a split decision.
Marat Grigorian admitted that while Siasarani showed incredible heart and landed clean shots that hurt his opponent, Masaaki Noiri ultimately earned the victory by pushing the pace and applying consistent pressure throughout the contest.
Addressing Clinching Tactics and Match Control
The veteran contender pointed out that Siasarani utilized too much clinching and holding during the bout, which interrupted the flow of action and prevented Masaaki Noiri from fully establishing his preferred fighting style.
Despite these tactical interruptions, Marat Grigorian gave full credit to both athletes for delivering a hard-fought battle, noting that Siasarani absorbed heavy punishment while also landing powerful counter strikes of his own.
Preparing for the ONE Featherweight Tournament Final
Now holding a four-fight winning streak, the 35-year-old Hemmers Gym standout is channeling his energy entirely into the upcoming championship final, eager to prove himself after reaching this decisive stage of the tournament.
The eventual tournament winner will earn a guaranteed shot at the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon, a familiar rival whom Marat Grigorian has already faced three times in his illustrious professional career.
Embracing New Motivation and Focus
Reflecting on the unusual path to the championship match, Marat Grigorian emphasized that professional athletes must accept unexpected circumstances and maintain forward momentum when plans change suddenly.
The Armenian fighter stated that all the strenuous training he completed has made him stronger, sharper, and more motivated than ever, declaring himself ready and hungry to claim victory in the final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Marat Grigorian fighting next?
Marat Grigorian advanced to the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament final to face Masaaki Noiri at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Why did Marat Grigorian advance without fighting?
Marat Grigorian advanced to the final automatically after his scheduled semifinal opponent, Luo Chao, missed weight and was disqualified from the tournament.
What is the prize for winning the ONE tournament?
The winner of the featherweight tournament earns a guaranteed world title shot against ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
Where did ONE Samurai 4 take place?
The event took place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, featuring high-level kickboxing action under the ONE banner.
