Former flyweight king Rodtang Jitmuangnon never thought fate would force this clash. The Thai superstar built his reign by admiring the veteran who now stands between him and championship redemption, creating an emotional complexity that transcends typical competition.
Rodtang faces Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai world title A 173 on Sunday, November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 28-year-old former champion confronts his old role model after being stripped of his belt for weight loss in November 2024, while 38-year-old Nong-O seeks rare glory in two divisions.
Nong-O’s legendary career shaped Rodtang’s approach to martial arts and life. The former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion captured approximately 350 professional fights while collecting two Thai national championships, four Lumpinee Stadium world titles across multiple divisions and a Rajadamnern Stadium belt. His dominance in the ONE Championship included seven successful defenses with five knockouts.
Their relationship blossomed outside professional circles through shared meals in Singapore and company retreats. Rodtang was attracted to Nong-O’s humble attitude despite tremendous achievements, and stated repeatedly throughout his career that he would never fight his idol. The friendship has deepened over six years, making this match feel inevitable yet unwanted.
“For Nong-O, ever since I signed with ONE Championship, he has always been the role model for both [fighting] and living life. The way he takes care of his body is the best,” he said.
“He should be the role model of the role models that everyone should try to follow in his footsteps. He will always have my respect. [didn’t] wants to fight him from the start. When I fought in Singapore, we met [for the first time]and we ate together. We were in every fight together while I was in Singapore. Every time we meet, we always respect each other. I said I never want to fight Nong-O.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon wrestles ONE World Championship of Pursuit versus Friendship
Football bonding ensured safe competition between the warriors before conditions changed. Those on-field moments were the closest we ever came, or at least that’s what Rodtang Jitmuangnon believed. Business now asks what friendship could not prevent.
The victory over Nong-O Hama has bittersweet consequences for Rodtang. Reclaiming his throne at the expense of his mentor creates conflicting emotions that complicate typical championship satisfaction. Fighting against fellow Thais always differs from international opponents, but this matchup amplifies that complexity exponentially.
Professional duty takes precedence over personal feelings once the ONE Circle door closes. Rodtang realizes that Nong-O will approach their fight with an identical mentality, transforming friends into title contenders chasing immortal legacies. Their brotherhood resumes after the final bell, but the championship war requires full focus until then.
“If I win, I’ll just win. I think I’ll be happy if I win the championship, just like anyone else would,” he said.
“But fighting another Thai fighter is something else, especially Nong-O, who I respect very much. I may be happy or maybe not. I don’t know anything about this fighter. There is something deep inside. I just perform my best in every fight and make everyone proud of me. When I fight, I don’t fight for myself, but for the fans, for those who love me.”
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