Yodpanomrung Jitmuangnon Is Gunning For The Win In Jakarta

After a career that has spanned over a decade, six-time Muay Thai World Champion Yodpanomrung “The Lightning Knee” Jitmuangnon (230-68-2) is ready to display his immaculate skills in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

This coming Saturday, 22 September, the Bangkok native will square off against “The Funky Drummer” Fabrice Fairtex Delannon (55-10) in a Muay Thai bantamweight affair at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“I have watched clips of my opponent, and I’m not worried,” the 24-year-old clinch specialist offers.

The overwhelming majority of Yodpanomrung’s bouts have taken place in his home country of Thailand.

In fact, the lanky athlete has traveled abroad only twice in his extensive career — once to compete in China, and once to Russia with the national team for amateur competition.

“I understand the significance of the opportunity ONE Championship has provided me with,” he excitedly adds, knowing this will be just the third time he is leaving his country’s borders. “I’m coming to fight!”

Alternatively, Delannon is a seasoned world traveler. 

Originally growing up in French Guiana, he moved to Paris, France, with his mother as a child.  He first moved to Thailand in 2007, and then permanently settled in “The Land Of Smiles” in 2013 with the goal of becoming one of the greatest martial artists in the world. 

“The Funky Drummer,” who has been training at the famed Fairtex Gym in Pattaya for nearly two years, made his promotional debut in June.

He faced two-division Lumpinee Stadium World Champion Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai in a highly competitive match at ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER. But after his rival cut him with a left elbow near the eye, the ringside physician deemed him unfit to continue.

The 36-year-old French Guianese athlete may have lost the contest, but he has promised to battle more intelligently when he meets “The Lightning Knee” at the Jakarta Convention Center on Saturday night.

While these Muay Thai athletes share a couple of similarities, such as a nearly identical height and a flair for throwing piercing long knees into the mid-section of their opponents, they have quite a few noticeable differences in their competition style.

For instance, “The Funky Drummer” is the more aggressive of the two, and he likes to use his reach to box. As for the Thai, he is content to sit back andwait for the attack.

Also, adding an element of mystique into the bantamweight tilt is the use of mixed martial arts gloves. This will be a new experience for Yodpanomrung, who will be donning these gloves for the first time in his 16-year career.

It could ultimately benefit him, however.

Being able to clinch with open hands, much like the thousands of hours of work Yodpanomrung has put in at the gym, could give the Thai at a significant advantage if he can take the battle to the inside.

Yodpanomrung, who is training alongside his teammate Rodtang, is feeling more and more confident as Saturday approaches.

The Thai is ready to shine on the global stage, and he is ready to make his presence felt.

“I’m not worried about my opponent,” he reaffirms. “Instead, I am focused on the opportunity ONE has given me.”