Brotherhood collides with championship ambition when household bonds face their final check. Rodtang Jitmuangnon by no means imagined he’d need to face the person he calls pal, however future calls for this confrontation.
The 28-year-old former ruler battles Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, inside Tokyo’s Ariake Enviornment. Rodtang was stripped of his belt in November 2024 after lacking weight, whereas 38-year-old Nong-O chases uncommon two-division glory after his legendary bantamweight Muay Thai reign.
The information introduced disappointment fairly than pleasure when the matchup was introduced. Respect transcends competitors between these Thai icons who constructed their relationship over six years of friendship.
Their bond shaped when Rodtang arrived in ONE as a hungry prospect and instantly gravitated towards Nong-O’s humble demeanor regardless of huge accomplishments. The 28-year-old repeatedly declared all through his profession that he’d by no means battle his idol, making this collision really feel inevitable but undesirable.
“I respect and look as much as Nong-O as my instructor. He at all times took care of me. I even stated again then that I by no means wished to face Nong-O in ONE as a result of I respect him a lot,” he stated.
“Nevertheless it has come to the purpose the place we have now to seek out the undisputed #1 within the division. Since each Nong-O and I are within the rankings, the time has come for us to satisfy. I needed to reluctantly agree.”
Rodtang Jitmuangnon thrilled to reclaim flyweight title on Japanese soil
Rodtang Jitmuangnon admires every thing about Nong-O Hama’s method to fight sports activities and life. The previous bantamweight king reigned for 1,526 days with seven consecutive title defenses earlier than making his everlasting change to flyweight this yr, setting an instance that impressed numerous fighters.
His preparation, dedication, and coronary heart signify the gold normal for skilled fighters. However admiration can’t soften the fierce willpower required when gold hangs within the stability. Skilled responsibility overrides private emotions as soon as the Circle door closes.
Japan holds particular that means for Rodtang’s profession trajectory. His 80-second knockout of Takeru Segawa at ONE 172 in March cemented his standing as a famous person, and returning to compete earlier than Japanese followers provides emotional significance to his championship pursuit.
“I’m actually comfortable to have the possibility to return and battle in Japan once more. As I’ve stated each time I’ve been interviewed, Japan is like my second residence. I’ve to thank all of the followers who welcomed me so nicely. I really feel the happiest once I go to battle there,” he stated.
“To Nong-O, give it your all, my brother. Let’s showcase the artwork of Muay Thai for everybody to see in order that our battle shall be simply as thrilling as another fights on the cardboard. It doesn’t matter what occurs within the ring, irrespective of how the battle ends or how fierce it’s, win or lose, it’s a sport, and I like and respect you simply the identical.”
