Hiroyuki Tetsuka looks to extend his winning streak once more when he returns at one of the biggest events of the year. The Japanese contender has put together a run of five consecutive victories with all coming via finish.
Though he has proven his ability to produce highlights on any card that you put him on, the spotlight of ONE 168 is something different. He will be facing Isi Fitikefu in a top clash in the welterweight MMA division where one man holds a clear advantage when it comes to experience in the promotion.
Fitikefu has fought just twice under the ONE banner but has shown clear potential in both of those outings. The major question is whether he is ready for this jump in competition after earning his first win at ONE Fight Night 9 last year.
Tetsuka, unsurprisingly, expects to be too much for his opponent based on their schedules. He spoke in an interview with ONE Championship about his expectations for this fight:
“I think I have more experience and a wider range of techniques. I want to show the difference in our experience and skill set.”
Hiroyuki Tetsuka knows that he needs to make a statement
Earning yet another win via finish could be the final hurdle that Hiroyuki Tetsuka needs to climb to make it to the top of the welterweight division. His weight class is still yet to see the return of the world champion due to Christian Lee holding titles at both welterweight and lightweight.
That being said, Lee is returning later this year at ONE 169 in Atlanta meaning that a big win from Tetsuka could be enough to tee up that fight sometime next year.
He will look to capture this opportunity by as always, pressing to get the finish.
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster.
