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ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon had another great year competing in 2022. With three appearances inside the circle, the champion retained his status as one of the most dominant titleholders in ONE Championship.
As he looks to make his first appearance of 2023 at ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video, ‘The Iron Man’ has been reflecting on the last 12 months of his career.
In an interview with ONE Championship, he shared his highlight of 2022, as well as his biggest regret:
“My life has gotten better and better each year since my first day in ONE Championship. I’ve had great support from many people, bringing me broader opportunities. Although I felt disappointed with my exit from the World Grand Prix, overall, 2022 was okay.”
He added:
“The best memory of 2022 was how I overcame my fear and agreed to fight in MMA with Demetrious Johnson. Although I lost, it was a great experience that I will remember forever.”
At ONE X in March, Rodtang faced ONE flyweight MMA world champion Demetrious Johnson in the promotion’s first ever mixed-rules fight.
Whilst the opening round of Muay Thai was competitive, Johnson took control once the ruleset switched between rounds, taking ‘The Iron Man’ down and choking him out cold.
On January 13, Rodtang will once again take himself out of his Muay Thai comfort zone when he faces Jiduo Yibu in kickboxing.
Rodtang says it’s time to add another world title to his mantle
ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon is not satisfied with being one of the most dominant champions in the promotion. On the hunt for a second world title to add to his legacy, ‘The Iron Man’ is hunting down a kickboxing world championship.
With the potential of fighting for a title in MMA down the line, kickboxing is the most logical step for Rodtang if he wants to become a multi-sport world champion.
In an interview with SCMP MMA, he spoke about his achievements in Muay Thai and how he wants to challenge himself further by going outside of his comfort zone:
“I will set my goals one by one. First, I will go for the kickboxing belt and next it will be in MMA. I have defended my belt in Muay Thai four times and I think it’s time to move for another belt.”
Catch the full interview below:
The dominant champion will look to position himself as next in line for a shot at the kickboxing gold when he faces China’s Jiduo Yibu at ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video.
On January 13 in Bangkok, Thailand, Rodtang will compete in kickboxing for the first time in nearly two years. His last bout in this ruleset was against Russia’s Tagir Khalilov in February 2021, ending in a split decision win for the Thai fighter.
