Marat Grigorian Looking To ‘Break’ All Grand Prix Competitors, Starting With Andy Souwer
In his ONE Championship debut, Marat Grigorian wasted no time with his punches, dispatching Ivan Kondratev in the second round of their kickboxing clash.
And ahead of his ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix quarterfinal match against legendary Andy “Souwer Power” Souwer at ONE: FIRST STRIKE on Friday, 15 October, he’s wasting even less time with his words.
“Andy,” Grigorian said, “I hope you are in good shape because I’m coming for you.”
Grigorian, currently ranked #3 in the featherweight kickboxing division, is raring to go. It’ll be only his second fight on the global stage of martial arts, but he believes his conditioning is in top form right now.
“Training is going very well. Every week, I’m feeling better, stronger, and faster. I can’t wait,” he said.
The Armenian-Belgian is no stranger to kickboxing competitions, so fans shouldn’t expect him to wilt come next Friday. In fact, the 2015 K-1 70-kg Kickboxing World Champion relishes the challenge.
“I love tournaments. I’m only sad that it’s not on one night because I really love one-night tournaments,” he said.
“But a tournament like this is also good. We can show more things because if you have some injuries, you can let them get better and start again.
“This tournament means a lot. It’s a big tournament with all good fighters. That’s what keeps motivating me.”
He also has his future opponent to motivate him. Souwer is a legend in his own right, having won multiple World Championships in his storied career.
“Souwer is a good fighter. He has had many, many fights. He’s a legend, and I’m happy to be fighting against him,” the Armenian said.
“He’s still dangerous, he’s still sharp, and he’s still doing good fights at a high level. He’s a complete fighter that can do everything well.”
Despite facing a kickboxing icon in Souwer, Grigorian is confident he can score the walk-off finish and enter the semifinals of the Grand Prix with flare.
“I’m always looking for the fast finish. But it’s a fight, anything can happen,” Grigorian said.
“I don’t like to think too far ahead, but I’m going to push myself to win this tournament because it means the world to me. I must be focused every second. Because [everyone in this tournament] is a good fighter, in good shape, and they’re all dangerous. But I’m coming to break them.”
Catch all the action at ONE: FIRST STRIKE on the ONE Super App or on meWATCH at 8:30 p.m. SGT on Friday, 15 October.
Read More From ONE Championship:
Meet The 2021 ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World GP Contenders
Grigorian Promises ‘War’ Against Legendary Souwer In GP Quarterfinals
ONE’s Top 5 Muay Thai And Kickboxing Fights From July-Sept 2021
