Rodtang Wants To Give Fans Something ‘Exciting, Aggressive, Fun’
Muay Thai’s most dangerous fighter is ready for his big premiere on United States prime-time television.
This Wednesday, 7 April, reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon will put on the 4-ounce mixed martial arts gloves and stand toe-to-toe with “Mini T” Danial Williams at “ONE on TNT I.”
Rodtang developed a reputation in his native Thailand for his granite chin and aggressive muay maht fighting style, as he relentlessly attacks his opponents with low kicks and fierce punches.
Those devastating punches were further amplified when he joined ONE Championship in 2018.
By pairing his aggressive style with the 4-ounce mixed martial arts gloves for the promotion’s ONE Super Series Muay Thai contests, Rodtang became unstoppable. He has demolished the competition, earning nine straight victories and the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title along the way.
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For his tenth promotional contest, the Thai megastar was scheduled to face Jacob Smith. However, the British hard-hitter was forced to withdraw from the card and was replaced by Williams, a WMC Muay Thai World Champion.
Rodtang has only been able to see older footage of his future foe, but from the little he has seen, he knows the scrappy Australian is someone who he shouldn’t take lightly.
“The fight I watched is from around three years ago, so it is difficult to know how he has developed since then,” the 23-year-old Bangkok resident admits. “But I can say, from what I have seen, is that he’s good, brave, and has strong weapons.”
Actually, Williams reminds “The Iron Man” of himself.
Just like Rodtang, “Mini T” has a tendency to walk forward, apply pressure, and throw reminiscent strikes. Also, the Aussie loves the element of surprise, and he looks to connect with wild techniques like his signature jumping downward elbow.
The Thai intends to be careful, but he refuses to completely abandon the trademark approach that has made him an international superstar.
“He has a similar style – he likes going forward, dares to take [a shot], and exchanges. His strengths are his low kicks and punches,” Rodtang observes.
“I think I will change my style a little bit, but for sure, I will never go backward. I have to be more cautious and not play around.”
Rodtang certainly wants to remain unbeaten in ONE Championship and become the only Muay Thai fighter in the organization to obtain his tenth victory on the global stage.
But that isn’t to say he won’t do it with a little bit of flair.
“The Iron Man” prides himself on entertaining a crowd with his devastating techniques, breaking into dance, and challenging his rivals if they back away or don’t hit hard enough.
On Wednesday, Rodtang is determined to add another highlight-reel win to his astonishing 266-42-10 record and put on a show for the North American audience, as well as fans watching around the globe.
“Winning ten fights and being undefeated in ONE Championship is good. I would like to have that and maintain [my undefeated streak] as long as possible,” he says.
“My goal is staying on top and staying in the fans’ hearts. I give them what they want to watch – something exciting, aggressive, and fun.”
Read more: Danial Williams Not Scared Of Rodtang: ‘He’s Only Human’
