ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao is one of the most dominant strikers to ever compete in ONE Championship, and on Friday, August 26, he’ll share a platform with the only man who can rival his momentum inside the Circle.
That man is ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Nong-O will defend his bantamweight crown against Liam Harrison in the co-main event of ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, just after his countryman takes on Savvas Michael.
Rodtang will face the Cypriot in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix semifinals, and Nong-O is just as excited as the global fan base for that matchup.
The bantamweight Muay Thai king said:
“I can’t wait to watch this fight. Savvas is a veteran fighter in Thailand. As for Rodtang, it’s needless to say how strong he is. We will definitely see some fierce trading in their fight.”
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Though Nong-O holds Petchyindee Academy’s Michael in high regard, he can’t see anybody toppling “The Iron Man” right now.
The 35-year-old star thinks Rodtang has a rock-solid skill set and an even more formidable mindset. And after watching him rip through Jacob Smith in the Grand Prix quarterfinals this past May, the bantamweight king believes his compatriot has reached another level.
“Rodtang is not only strong on the outside, but he is strong on the inside too. He has the heart of a lion. An unprepared opponent will always be his prey.
“And lately, he knows how to embrace the fight IQ in his fighting as well. He fought a lot smarter [recently]. He finally knows how to combine techniques and aggression. He is extraordinary. And also, he’s an avid entertainer. I don’t think anyone can handle him at the moment.”
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Nong-O Gaiyanghadao has a perfect 8-0 slate in ONE Championship, which includes six World Title victories. Similarly, Rodtang Jitmuangnon owns a flawless 11-0 record in the promotion’s Muay Thai and kickboxing ranks, which includes four World Title wins.
The pair are undoubtedly two of the greatest strikers on the planet, and although they’ve been competing in different weight classes thus far, their run of form could potentially see them collide in a World Champion versus World Champion dream match in the future.
Nong-O would embrace the challenge. However, he knows it would be difficult to stop “The Iron Man” in his tracks.
The Evolve MMA representative said:
“If I had a chance to confront Rodtang, he would surely be the toughest task for me. But we would have to consider which weight we would fight at. But if it actually happened, I would definitely do my best.
“I can’t see anyone who can stop him. But anything can happen in combat sports. Therefore, you must not be careless. The tide can be turned anytime. This is something every fighter needs to consider, me included.”
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