Hiroyuki Tetsuka has been on a tear recently in ONE Championship with a five-bout, all-finish streak. He will try to extend that to six at ONE 168: Denver on Friday, September 6, against Isi “Doxz” Fitikefu.
The string of finishes has made the “Japanese Beast” more confident than ever before.
“In terms of MMA, my striking, takedowns, and submissions are working together more smoothly now. I feel my MMA-specific skills have really improved. I’m confident I won’t lose to anyone in MMA,” Tetsuka stated to ONE.
Tetsuka is expecting an explosive matchup in Denver, partially because of the similarities between the two athletes.
However, the 34-year-old believes his experience will be a decided advantage when the bell rings.
“We’re about the same height. His fighting style is quite similar to my previous style. He’s good at back chokes on the ground, but he also comes in hard with stand-up striking. He uses his physicality and explosive power. He’s physically strong, probably because he used to be a rugby player. He’s athletic and has refined his grappling and striking skills,” the Japanese star remarked.
“However, I think I have more experience and a wider range of techniques. I want to show the difference in our experience and skill set.”
The Yamada Dojo-TGFC representative will be gunning for another finish to push him closer to a title shot. Still, he is not discounting Fitikefu’s toughness ahead of the showdown.
“There are many ways [to win]. I could land a counter and knock him out or take him down and pound him out. He’s only lost by decision once and has never been finished,” Tetsuka commented.
“I plan to give him his first finish loss, but I usually adapt to the flow of the fight. There are really many ways I could win.”
If that finish comes, expect Tetsuka to call for a match against ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Christian Lee.
The “Japanese Beast” feels he will have earned that right, but will also look forward to the next challenge if it doesn’t happen.
“If I get six consecutive finishes, I believe I should be in line for a title shot. Of course, I understand that the promotion makes these decisions, but I certainly hope for it,” the welterweight contender offered.
“However, Christian has a lightweight title fight in Atlanta in November, so the welterweight division might be stagnant for a while. I’d be happy if they could set up an interim title fight.”
Should a title match not cross his path after ONE 168, Tetsuka will still be eyeing some of the division’s elite for his follow-up performance.
“If not Christian, then maybe the former champion Zebaztian Kadestam or Roberto Soldic. They’re both very strong fighters,” Tetsuka said.
ONE 168: Denver airs live on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, September 6. Remaining tickets for the event are available via Ticketmaster.