Rodtang Jitmuangnon Is Not Sleeping on Savvas Michael’s Skills – “He Has Changed a Lot”

Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon has overcome a variety of different strikers to achieve his perfect 11-0 record in ONE Super Series, so he can be confident that he has the skill to take on anyone.

Still, the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion isn’t underestimating Savvas ‘The Baby Face Killer’ Michael ahead of their clash at ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II on August 26.

Rodtang and Michael will square off in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix semifinals that evening, and the Thai superstar reckons that he’ll need to be cautious when trading leather with the Cypriot dynamo inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“In the World Grand Prix, he has changed his style to be a skillful, tactical one. So, I have to be prepared a lot, as he has changed a lot,” Rodtang said.

On paper, the fighters share a similar style.

‘The Iron Man’ has heavily relied on his fearless and ruthless approach to earn some standout victories inside the Circle.

Michael has also displayed these aggressive tendencies throughout his career, with at least half of his wins coming by knockout. But the more tactical style he used to come through his quarterfinal battle with Amir Naseri may have hinted at a more evolved striker.

Muay Thai veteran shares his mindset ahead of the Savvas Michael bout

Rodtang has noted this, but he feels that his own ability to switch up the game plan on the spot could be the deciding factor in their semifinal showdown on August 26.

Read More – ONE on Prime Video 1: Jonathan Haggerty Plans to ‘Obliterate’ Amir Naseri; Eyes Rodtang Jitmuangnon or Savvas Michael Next

“I’m not too worried about Savvas’ changed fighting style. I’ll apply my own style. I’ll try to see the weaknesses of my opponents and deal with each round,” the 25-year-old offered.

“As you fight, you should know how you must adapt. You need to be a chameleon in order to beat your opponent.”

Though he feels Michael could pose a threat to his unbeaten Muay Thai run in ONE, ‘The Iron Man’ still recognizes a couple of flaws in his upcoming opponent’s skill set.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon wants to impress Chatri Sityodtong to get the extra bucks

And he wants to take advantage of them in order to earn a spot in the Grand Prix final and potentially take home a US$50,000 performance bonus.

“I think he had a weakness that he came forward too much while he still lacked good defense. But in the World Grand Prix, he was calmer. I do believe, however, that he has that weakness,” Rodtang pointed out.

“I see that his defense still doesn’t cover what it needs to cover. I’ll take that as my upper hand. If possible, I’d like to knock him out, as I’d like to gain the bonus from the big boss, [ONE CEO] Mr. Chatri [Sityodtong].”

Read More – ‘Angry’ Rodtang Jitmuangnon Has ‘Mental Lapses’ Offers ONE on Prime Video 1 Opponent Savvas Michael – “He Does a Lot of Mistakes”