“IQ Is Superior”- Rodtang Jitmuangnon Receives Tawanchai’s Backing to Beat Denis Puric at ONE 167

Jun 1, 2024 | 3:57 AM EDT

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ONE Muay Thai Featherweight World Champion Tawanchai PK. Saenchai is all set to return for the title in ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut 2. After Stamp Fairtex pulled out of the fight due to a knee injury, Tawanchai will now face his former rival Nattawut in a rematch inside the Impact Arena, Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, June 7. Along with Tawanchai, other big names on the card include Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the #1-ranked ONE Championship Flyweight kickboxer, who will face Denis Puric in a Flyweight kickboxing bout.

With just a mere few days left until ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut 2, the Thai champion shares his verdict on the upcoming fight between Rodtang and Denis Puric in his latest interview with a renowned media house. He also heaps high praises to Rodtang Jitmuangnon, as we know Tawanchai has previously praised Rodtang.

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Tawanchai backs Rodtang Jitmuangnon to beat Denis Puric

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As the time for ONE 167 approaches, many MMA experts and even fighters are giving their predictions and choosing their favorites. The same happened with Tawanchai PK. Saenchai, who was recently interviewed by Essentially Sports. When the host asked Tawanchai who he thinks will win in the Flyweight Kickboxing between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Denis Puric, the Thai champion shared his opinion.

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He stated, “I think 100% Rodtang. Absolutely, I think his IQ is superior, and he is very experienced, so I don’t think Denis Puric will win this fight.” Without hesitation, Tawanchai bets on Rodtang, believing he is best. He is not wrong because when we look at Rodtang’s winning record, he seems far superior. He has a better record and more experience than his opponent, Puric, which will give him the upper hand. As the anticipation builds, it becomes clear why Tawanchai is confident in his prediction.

The only drawback Rodtang carries is his recent defeat and injury at the hands of Superlek Kiatmoo9 in ONE Friday Fights 34, and he is coming back after almost 9 months in The Circle. On the other hand, Denis Puric, the Bosnian Menace, must be on cloud nine after his latest victory against Jacob Smith in ONE Fight 21, where he won by unanimous decision. However, Tawanchai is sure that nothing is going to stop Thai Champ. Despite being a Muay Thai Champion, he can easily adapt to kickboxing rules in his upcoming fight against Denis Puric.

Tawanchai is confident in Rodtang’s versatility

Since his last Muay Thai win against Superbon in ONE Friday Fights 46, Tawanchai PK. Saenchai has been busy with his kickboxing and Muay Thai transition. This hard work paid off, as he also became the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing Champion in April 2024. His worthiness shines through with these wins. Rodtang Jitmuangnon is also set to return from a long rest at ONE 167 as co-main event, where he will face Denis Puric in Kickboxing.

Furthermore, In a recent interview with MMA media, when the interviewer asked the Thai Champion if switching from Muay Thai to kickboxing would affect Rodtang Jitmuangnons performance, Tawanchai confidently replied that Rodtang has nothing to worry about in kickboxing. He said that Rodtang is very smart and intelligent, with a high fight IQ, so he can easily adjust to the kickboxing rules.

Therefore, this upcoming ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut 2 will be a major test for both fighters, Rodtang and Tawanchai. As primarily Muay Thai fighters, their recent absence from the sport and repeated transition between fighting styles can be challenging for their preparation. Consequently, we’ll have to wait until June 7th to see if both fighters can emerge victorious in their respective categories and divisions.