Rodtang Fired Up To Return To Action In Tokyo

Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon is raring to return to competition at ONE Championship’s biggest ever event after another sensational performance.

Southern Thailand’s golden boy returned to the world’s largest martial arts organization for his second ONE Super Series Muay Thai flyweight contest at ONE: HERO’S ASCENT on 25 January.

Against Fahdi “The Gladiator” Khaled, he was one of the stars of the show once again as he thrilled audiences worldwide with another stellar performance.

After overcoming some nerves to put on a show in his debut on the global stage for martial arts last September, Rodtang was relaxed and keen to give his fans even more entertainment this time around.

When he emerged in front of the sold-out Mall of Asia in Manila, Philippines, he walked out with some brand new dance moves to the popular comedy Thai song, “Steamed Tadpole For My Aunt.”

“I just really love the song, it is a lot of fun and it’s different,” he says.

“I wanted to make an impact and be myself because there is no one out there like me.

“I was more relaxed this time around. I was still excited for the match, but I knew I had prepared properly, and was ready to go.”

After entertaining during his walkout, he got the audience on its feet during the match. From the opening bell, “The Iron Man” looked to set a high pace, and he attacked Khaled with everything he had.

However, the Tunisian was reluctant to stand toe-to-toe, and instead looked to counter.

Rodtang continued to press forward and roared at his opponent to try and encourage some more engagement as he chased him, but Khaled stuck to his game plan.

“I really wanted this fight to be even more exciting than my last, but I found my opponent really difficult to fight. He was really evasive and didn’t want to trade,” Rodtang says.

“I felt like I ran a marathon.”

Despite his opponent’s caution, the Thai hero’s aggressive striking, dominance in the clinch, and all-around power saw him comfortably take his second unanimous decision in The Home Of Martial Arts.

Once again, it was difficult to fault the performance, but Rodtang believes there is room for improvement.

He came into this bout after more than three months away from ONE Super Series action – a stark contrast to his near-constant activity in the better part of the last decade.

“I’m used to fighting frequently, but before this bout, I had few months off,” Rodtang explains.

“It had been a really long time since I had taken a break from competition and I felt a little rusty.”

Despite his reservations, only the harshest of critics could find much fault in the 21-year-old’s display, and he has earned the chance to show his skills once again on the grandest stage of all.

On 31 March, ONE will arrive in Tokyo, Japan for the first time, and Rodtang was announced as part of the lineup at ONE: A NEW ERA by ONE Chairman and CEO, Chatri Sityodtong.

The two-time Omnoi Stadium Muay Thai World Champion does not care that an opponent has not been confirmed, he is just keen to step under the lights again, represent his sport, and work towards a World Title.

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“I love Muay Thai. I have dreams, and I’ll work for them,” he adds.

“When I am in the ring, winning or losing is just part of sports, but I will never, ever give up in there.

“I’m ready to get back in there. I’ll fight anyone. I just love to compete.”