Respect for the man across the ring will not slow Rodtang Jitmuangnon down. The former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion opens the 2026-2027 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix against former bantamweight ruler Nong-O Hama at The Inner Circle 38 on Friday, November 13, live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, streaming for members at live.onefc.com.
Rodtang, 29, is the biggest and most well-known Muay Thai fighter in the world. The Jitmuangnon Gym star carries a 274-44 pro record, holds the most wins in ONE’s all-striking matchups, and is the #2-ranked contender.
A former six-time ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, “The Iron Man” is looking to return to the win column after a tough loss in his most recent outing and advance to the semifinals.
“Nong-O has everything. He is a true legend of Muay Thai. He was already a massive star even before I started fighting. I remember watching him back at the old Lumpinee Stadium,” he said.
Nong-O, 40, is a former eight-time ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion with a 268-59 pro record and a 13-5 ONE mark. The pair were booked to fight at ONE 173 last November for the vacant crown, but the bout was called off.
Respect, however, does not mean Rodtang expects a gift. He knows how dangerous the technical Superbon Training Camp and Evolve MMA product can be.
“His technical skills are incredible, his kicks are heavy, and he’s extremely hard to beat. I don’t want anyone thinking I’ll walk through Nong-O easily. I never underestimate any opponent. And with Nong-O’s high fight IQ and lifetime of experience, he can read your moves instantly,” he explained.
The Grand Prix format leaves no room for error, and Rodtang sees this tournament as the true measure of his comeback.
“It’s the ultimate test for this comeback. We can’t pick and choose opponents anymore, and we can’t overlook anyone. Among those 8 fighters, you have to prove you’re the absolute best in the rankings,” he added.
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