‘I’ve Prepared My Body Very Well’ – Rodtang Details Work With Nutritionist Ahead Of Super-Fight At ONE 172

Thai megastar Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon is pulling out all the stops to ensure that his weight and fitness are on point for his five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight against Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa in the main event of ONE 172 this Sunday, March 23.

That highly anticipated pay-per-view fight is now just days away, and Rodtang has made significant changes to his diet, nutrition, and training regimen.

In his most recent appearance at ONE 169 last November, the 27-year-old failed to make weight while hydrated for his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title defense against Jacob Smith.

While “The Iron Man” won the fight in sterling fashion, his miss on the scale forced him to relinquish the belt, which he had successfully defended five times to cement himself as one of Muay Thai’s most dominant World Champions.

Looking back, Rodtang told onefc.com that he was crushed to lose his World Title that way – but that he’s using the disappointment as fuel this time around:

“I tried my best to make weight, especially since it was a World Title defense. No one wants to lose, but when you lose, you have to accept it.

“Of course, I felt so sad because I had kept this belt for so long. I defended it many times, but I lost it to the scale, not to my opponent. I was devastated, but it was a huge motivation for me.”

To be sure he doesn’t make the same mistake again, Rodtang started working with a nutritionist who plans and portions all of his meals.

He’s also cut out his biggest indulgences from his diet and is happy to report that he’s been shedding pounds each and every week:

“I’ve prepared my body very well for this fight. Thanks to Peter, the nutritionist who came to take care of my diet.

“I also have to thank my family and my wife’s family who always tell me not to eat fried food or sweets. Plus, I train in the morning and evening every day. My weight is gradually going down, as I’ve updated on my social media.”

Indeed, Rodtang looks to be in peak condition and appears poised to perform at his best in one of the biggest kickboxing fights in history.

It hasn’t been easy to stay disciplined, he added. But over time, he’s adjusted to his new, healthier diet and is now reaping the benefits:

“I had to force myself to eat properly. The food the nutritionist gave me for each meal comes in small portions, but I eat all three meals each day as he orders. As time passed, I didn’t feel as hungry. I could train normally without feeling hungry and sleep well.”

Rodtang: ‘I Guarantee That I Won’t Miss Weight Again’

Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s training camp for ONE 172 has been the hardest of his career, with a special emphasis on power and conditioning.

Well aware of Takeru Segawa’s absurd durability and terrifying power, the Thai is doing everything he can to ensure he’s capable of fighting at a fast pace for 15 minutes of action:

“I’m focused on building muscle, fitness, and strength so that when I get hit by my opponent’s weapons, I will be able to withstand them for a full five rounds.

“In the evening, I practice everything, including kicking the pads, trying techniques, training abdominal muscles, and then going back to practicing techniques again. Even on Sundays, I don’t stop. I wake up and go for a run.”

That demanding training schedule has taken its toll on Rodtang’s body, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Come March 23, he promises to be on weight and ready for war:

“I’ve worked hard every day. I guarantee that I won’t miss weight again in this fight.”