5 things you need to know about Rodtang Jitmuangnon

Rodtang Jitmuangnon [Photo courtesy of ONE Championship]

#3 Rodtang Holds A Muay Thai & Kickboxing Record of 267-42-10

No, this is not a typo, Rodtang does hold a professional record of 267-42-10. While it may seem bizarre to a strict MMA consumer, Muay Thai fans are accustomed to seeing gaudy records, with athletes commonly competing multiple times in a week.

However, even for the most hardcore Muay Thai fans, Rodtang’s record is shocking. At just 24-years-old, throughout a whopping 319 bouts, his 267 wins earn him an 84 percent winning rate, an unprecedented amount of success. So how did he accumulate so many fights at such a young age? That brings us to fact number four.

#4 Rodtang’s Muay Thai Career Began When He Was 10-Years-Old

While most 10-year-olds are deeply entrenched in the 5th grade, Rodtang’s 10th year wasn’t as glamorous. In an attempt to help provide a source of income for his family in Thailand, Rodtang took it upon himself to enter the ring and fight to earn money.

Of course, while a lifestyle like this is unfamiliar to most in western culture, it’s hard not to appreciate a person willing to do whatever it takes to help his family. Rodtang’s introduction into Muay Thai serves as the perfect template for a true martial artist, as he displayed honor, humility, and ultimate respect for his family by taking his chosen path.

So despite his intimidating exterior and spectacular performances in the Circle, rest assured that Rodtang has a big heart, making him an easy athlete to cheer for.

#5 MMA Debut Potentially On The Horizon

While his bout against Demetrious Johnson is only partially under MMA rules, there have been multiple rumblings regarding a potential transition to MMA for Rodtang.

Should 'The Iron Man' make a full-time move to the world’s leading combat sport, he would enter the mix with one of the most sophisticated striking repertoires the game has ever seen. Definitely an interesting possibility.