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Rodtang Jitmunagnon has been on top of the flyweight Muay Thai division for years, but his reign faces a genuine threat in his upcoming bout.
At ONE Friday Fights 34, scheduled for this Friday, September 22, ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 will face Rodtang in a catchweight super fight.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon braces for his toughest challenge yet at ONE Friday Fights 34
The showdown between two of Thailand’s toughest strikers is the most highly anticipated Muay Thai fight in years, and it will fittingly take place inside the hallowed halls of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Superlek rose to prominence in his home nation after a slew of impressive performances that eventually led to World Titles in the famed Lumpinee Stadium, as well as the distinction of winning the Sports Authority of Thailand Fighter of the Year in 2012.
He then became an even bigger star when he joined the world’s largest martial arts organization in 2020. The 27-year-old has collected 11 wins across Muay Thai and kickboxing ONE, which includes claiming the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title in January this year and successfully defending it in March. Superlek may be on a hot streak, but Rodtang is far from a slouch. The 26-year-old sensation collected wins in the competitive Thai circuit, claimed a title in the Omnoi Stadium, and consecutive Fight of the Year honors in the Rajadamnern Stadium before joining ONE, catapulting to worldwide fame since being added to the organization’s roster.
Read More: “This Is a Dream Match” Superlek Kiatmoo9 Thrilled Over Inevitable Megafight With Rodtang Jitmungnon
“The Iron Man” is undoubtedly the bigger star of the pair, but he credits Superlek for his talent and recognizes that his friend-turned-rival poses a real danger to him. “Superlek is the toughest opponent for me since I joined ONE. He’s really good – maybe better than me. He was a superstar in Thailand even before I started fighting,” he told ONE in a recent interview.
The Kicking Machine is on a terror run, undefeated this year in four fights
“The Kicking Machine” has won all four of his contests this year, with his last three coming by way of knockout. Understanding the type of opponent he will be up against is key for Rodtang Jitmuangnon, and he plans to approach the fight with his famed laser-focused mindset to help push him to victory.
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“I will give it my all in my usual style and give everything I’ve got until the final bell rings, no matter whether I lose or win,” he said. “I will see this fight as my last fight before I die to motivate me so that I can’t lose. I’ll never let anyone take my belt.”
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