ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon may be one of the fiercest competitors inside the ring, but he shares some close bonds with fellow fighters outside of it.

The Thai star will unleash his competitive side on Friday, June 7, when he takes on Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric in a flyweight kickboxing match at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs Nattawut II inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, and he’ll get to support a friend in his latest ONE Championship outing before he does.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon talks about his friendship with Mikey Musumeci

ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci will move up to bantamweight to seek revenge against the last man to submit him, Gabriel Sousa, at ONE 167, and Rodtang is hoping he does.

The two World Champions have been friends since last year, and “The Iron Man” discussed how their relationship came about in a recent interview with ONE. 

“I was fighting Jiduo Yibu, and I needed to make weight before the fight. Mikey walked over and offered his help. I decided not to do it, so I apologized to him for not taking his offer. That was the first time we got to know each other,” Rodtang said.  

“Then he came to help me again when we fought on the same card [ONE Fight Night 10] in the USA. I told him that I firmly believed that I couldn’t make it in time. But Mikey insisted I could. I made weight successfully. And it was one pound less than the required limit. I almost gave him the belt.”

“Darth Rigatoni” has been a supporter of Rodtang’s pursuits since meeting him, and vice versa, and they spent time together when Musumeci trained in Thailand. 

Divided by language barrier, united by mutual admiration

They may not speak the same language, but the pair share a mutual admiration, nonetheless. 

“Of course, Mikey and I respect each other. It doesn’t have to be fancy words. Just looking into each other’s eyes, we know each other,” Rodtang said.  

“I have my personal interpreter. I understand some words he says, but I’m unable to communicate back because I’m not that good at English. But I understand what he’s saying. 

“He gives me a lot of heart. When people give their hearts to each other, there aren’t many words needed.”