Reigning and undisputed ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon of Thailand believes compatriot 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek Kiatmoo9 made the right decision to take a tune-up fight just a couple of months before his showdown with 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty.
Superlek risked injury and defeat against the dangerous Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at ONE Friday Fights 68 last June, knowing full well that a slight mishap could have taken him out of his world title tilt in Denver this weekend.
Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Rodtang said Superlek now has momentum because he fought Kongthoranee.
'The Iron Man' said:
"I think facing Kongthoranee first was better for him. It's great to have that momentum."
Flyweight kickboxing kingpin 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek Kiatmoo9 is set to challenge two-sport world titleholder 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title.
The two will lock horns in the main event at ONE 168: Denver, which will be broadcast live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, September 6.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Limited tickets are still available via Ticketmaster.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA during fight week for all the latest news and updates surrounding ONE 168: Denver.
'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon returns to U.S. soil to defend gold against Jacob Smith at ONE 169: Atlanta
As for 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the 27-year-old Bangkok native is set for his highly anticipated return to United States soil to face the United Kingdom's Jacob Smith with his flyweight Muay Thai belt on the line.
The two lock horns at ONE 169: Atlanta, which broadcasts live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, November 8.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live on Amazon Prime Video. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster for those who want to watch in-stadium.