Rodtang Maps Out 2023, Wants Kickboxing Belt And Shot At MMA

In typical “Iron Man” fashion, Rodtang Jitmuangnon returned to kickboxing and decimated his opponent.

The ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champ held down his spot in the kickboxing rankings last weekend at ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov, defeating Jiduo Yibu over three exhilarating rounds.

“The Iron Man” displayed a striking clinic yet again, infusing his output with his signature taunts to keep the crowd entertained throughout the bout’s duration.

The confident 25-year-old extended his unbeaten run in ONE’s striking disciplines to 13, which has only added more fuel to the fiery confidence the Bangkok banger possesses.

“I consider myself a normal fighter,” Rodtang said. “I would like to thank everyone for considering me as one of the best fighters out there, but I just want to do the best that I can in every fight.

“My secret is that my heart is that of a real fighter. I’m a real fighter in my heart, and I go 100 percent in every round.”

ALSO READ | Aung La N Sang talks about how he wants to retire from MMA

While his performance in the Circle saw only positives, it was the bout’s lead-up where Rodtang slipped up.

His return to kickboxing action was initially scheduled to take place in the flyweight division, however the striking superstar came in half a pound over the limit, forcing the bout to be contested at catchweight.

Having held the #1-ranked position since beating Tagir Khalilov in February 2021 at ONE: FISTS OF FURY, “The Iron Man” was in line for a flyweight kickboxing World Championship opportunity with a victory.

Missing the flyweight limit may have knocked him back a step, so Rodtang knows he must make the limit next time around.

“Of course, I know that I have to participate in the flyweight division, and then I will have my second ONE World Title,” he said.

“I am ready to face Superlek [Kiatmoo9] for the belt.”

Looking at the year ahead, Rodtang has his eyes on multiple targets in a multitude of combat sports.

The man with over 300 bouts has plans to transition to mixed martial arts action following his mixed rules super-fight encounter with ONE Flyweight World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson last March at ONE X.

Before his hunt begins, though, his goal of winning the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title and becoming a two-sport ONE World Champion is at the forefront of his mind.

ALSO READ | Rodtang plans to move to MMA after conquering Kickboxing division

“My goal right now is to stay in the flyweight division and claim the kickboxing title,” the Thai superstar said.

“I want to go step-by-step. I want to claim my title in kickboxing first, and then I will go to MMA.”

LEAVE A COMMENT

Please login to leave a comment

0 Comments