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Kana Morimoto is coming for ONE Championship gold at ONE 172 on Sunday, March 23, on global pay-per-view. After scoring a clean unanimous decision win in her last outing against Moa Carlsson, Kana will have a much steeper test inside Saitama Super Arena. Awaiting her will be ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Queen” Phetjeeja.
Kana Morimoto Ready for Phetjeeja’s Challenge This Sunday
“This is a huge opportunity, and I will win the ONE Championship belt in Japan. I truly believe I’m the only one in the world who can beat Phetjeeja, so I have to win,” Kana Morimoto said to ONE.
Phetjeeja is known for her incredible Muay Thai skills but seamlessly transitioned into kickboxing by defeating pound-for-pound great Anissa Meksen for the interim crown in 2023. She went on to unify the belts with Janet Todd at ONE Fight Night 20.
Kana Morimoto Gives Phetjeeja Plaudit Ahead of ONE 172
With almost impeccable technique in all facets of the game, Kana Morimoto has nothing but the highest praise for the reigning champion.
IT’S ON 🥊 Phetjeeja puts her ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title on the line against Japanese superstar Kana at Saitama Super Arena on March 23 at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang! Will the Thai titleholder move to 7-0 in ONE, or will “Krusher Queen” claim the gold in front… pic.twitter.com/1QChAZCmm8
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) February 12, 2025
“Phetjeeja is skilled in kickboxing and Muay Thai, making her a complete athlete. She has a high fighting IQ and a wide range of fighting styles, so I truly see her as a perfect athlete. Of course, the stronger my opponent, the higher my motivation. I think Phetjeeja is a well-rounded athlete who can do everything, but I believe my knockout power in a single strike is superior to hers,” the Japanese athlete detailed.
Although the Japanese talent has scored titles in Krush and K-1, it is ONE’s most coveted prize that has her eyes glinting with gold. “Krusher Queen” sees this as the crowning achievement she is missing from her legacy. A win over Phetjeeja would leave no doubt as to Kana Morimoto’s spot in history.
“I believe ONE Championship is the biggest organization in the world. If I win the kickboxing belt, I think that will be the ultimate accomplishment for me,” Kana Morimoto said.
Kana Morimoto Excited to Fight at Saitama Super Arena
ONE 172 is an electric event with five World Championship matches on the card. In a display of Japanese martial arts against the world, Kana Morimoto is proud to make the walk to the ring representing her home. The Team Aftermath representative is ready to revel in the glory when her walkout music hits the speakers.
“Saitama Super Arena is the venue for major martial arts events. It’s hard to explain. When a fight happens there, the atmosphere is incredible, and the cheers from the crowd are unbelievably loud. It’s hard to put into words, but when the arena is packed, it gets insanely exciting,” Kana commented.
Kana Morimoto’s excitement extends beyond just competing at home. As the lone women’s World Championship match on the bill, she feels an obligation to represent women as well. Undoubtedly, this platform and primetime matchup will give her the opportunity to do just that in front of a global viewing audience.
“I’m happy to be part of this event in which Japan’s top athletes are fighting. I’m also the only female Japanese athlete in the event, which makes it even more special for me. I believe this is a great opportunity to showcase Japanese female athletes to the world, and I feel a strong responsibility to demonstrate the strength of Japanese martial artists on this stage,” the atomweight challenger said.
ONE 172 airs live on Sunday, March 23, at 3 a.m. ET/midnight PT. The action hails from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. The event is available to purchase on global pay-per-view via watch.onefc.com.
