Brotherhood collides with championship ambition when household bonds face their final check. Rodtang Jitmuangnon by no means imagined he’d must face the person he calls good friend, 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 unhappiness reasonably 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 fashioned 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 struggle 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 mentioned again then that I by no means needed to face Nong-O in ONE as a result of I respect him a lot,” he mentioned.
“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 little thing about Nong-O Hama’s strategy 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 12 months, setting an instance that impressed numerous fighters.
His preparation, dedication, and coronary heart signify the gold commonplace for skilled fighters. However admiration can not soften the fierce willpower required when gold hangs within the steadiness. Skilled obligation overrides private emotions as soon as the Circle door closes.
Japan holds particular which means for Rodtang’s profession trajectory. His 80-second knockout of Takeru Segawa at ONE 172 in March cemented his standing as a celebrity, and returning to compete earlier than Japanese followers provides emotional significance to his championship pursuit.
“I’m actually blissful to have the prospect to return and struggle in Japan once more. As I’ve mentioned each time I’ve been interviewed, Japan is like my second house. I’ve to thank all of the followers who welcomed me so effectively. I really feel the happiest after I go to struggle there,” he mentioned.
“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 struggle will likely be simply as thrilling as another fights on the cardboard. It doesn’t matter what occurs within the ring, irrespective of how the struggle ends or how fierce it’s, win or lose, it’s a sport, and I really like and respect you simply the identical.”
