Reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, is already a legend in the Muay Thai world. At just 26 years old, he’s achieved incredible things in the sport, surpassing what many thought could be impossible. Since his debut in ONE Championship, he’s amassed an impressive 15 wins with only two setbacks- a testament to his immense talent. His dedication and hard work have undeniably cemented his status as a legend.

“The Iron Man” recently shared his mantra for success with his fans and upcoming athletes through a social media post.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s inspiring note to youngsters

Riding high on his recent win at ONE 167 last month, Rodtang Jitmuangnon is enjoying his downtime exploring new hobbies like cooking. In a recent reel from ONE, we see Rodtang whipping up a dish with ONE Thai translator Frank Kittipong. During this time, Frank asked Rodtang Jitmuangnon about his recipe for success, and he shared his insight.

“Endurance and perseverance,” Rodtang explained during the interview. “I left home at a very young age to pursue my passion for Muay Thai. Everywhere I go, there are obstacles. But I’ve learned to endure and embrace them. You have to fight; never give up without a fight.”

However, this wasn’t Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s only sacrifice. Soccer was his true passion, but financial struggles and the need to support his family pushed him towards Muay Thai. Muay Thai was a popular choice at the time due to its potential for earning a good living.

Jitmuangnon’s path to Muay Thai greatness

Muay Thai wasn’t just about fighting for Rodtang Jitmuangnon; it was a weapon against poverty – his greatest rival since childhood. Rodtang’s family relied on daily wages from manual labor, which barely covered their needs. Unlike soccer, which didn’t have financial benefits for amateurs his age, Muay Thai offered a more promising path. 

Each fight came with a decent payout for someone his age. At around $8, it already made a significant difference for Rodtang. Over the years, he has worked his way up to raise his earnings for each fight and is currently the highest-paid Muay Thai athlete on the planet thanks to ONE Championship. “Muay Thai was the way for me to earn more and support my family,” the Thai superstar said. “Thanks to it, I can now buy my parents a house and take care of them. Without Muay Thai, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Now with financial security thanks to Muay Thai, Rodtang Jitmuangnon enjoys playing soccer in his free time, a fact evident after his ONE 167 victory. We even saw Rodtang and the opponent he just beat, Denis Puric, bonding over the beautiful game after the event. Rodtang’s journey is a true inspiration for youngsters facing challenges and considering giving up. His story shows that perseverance and following a path that offers opportunity can lead to success, while still allowing you to pursue your passions later on.