Striker Reveals How Nickname Was Born Ahead of April 10 Fight

Thai striking veteran Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong has opened up about the story behind one of the most fitting nicknames in combat sports.

The 30-year-old challenges former ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Regian “The Immortal” Eersel for the vacant ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle on Friday, April 10, live on live.onefc.com.

When the two meet on April 10, Rungrawee’s legs will be the most talked-about weapon in the building, and the story of how he earned his famous name adds another layer to an already compelling matchup.

Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong’s “Legatron” Nickname Came from Transformers-Obsessed Kid

The origin of the nickname is as colorful as the kicks that inspired it. Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong did not invent the moniker himself, nor did it come from a coach or a promoter. It arrived organically from someone inside the Sitsongpeenong gym family who saw something in the Thai striker’s left kick that reminded him of a different kind of unstoppable force entirely.

“I got the name from the son of my gym boss, Mr. Tim. He saw how powerful my left kick was. At the time, he was into Transformers movies, so he came up with ‘Legatron.’ It’s basically a mashup of ‘Leg’ and ‘Megatron.’ It fits my aggressive kicking style perfectly,” Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong offered.

The 5-foot-11 Thai striker has spent years making sure the name lives up to its origins. Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong’s  career record of 158-48 reflects decades of professional competition across some of the most demanding striking circuits in Thailand and beyond, and the leg kick that caught Mr. Tim’s son’s eye has since become the most feared weapon in his arsenal.

Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong Reveals How Legends like Saenchai Shaped His Kicks

The devastating leg kicks that earned Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong  his nickname were not always a central part of his fighting style. The Thai striker started out as a knee fighter, only adding kicks to his game after receiving advice from two of Muay Thai’s most respected names.

“I actually started out as a knee fighter. But legends like Saenchai and Khem Sitsongpeenong told me I needed to add kicks to my game, especially for fighting internationally against taller guys. If you only try to clinch, you’ll fall behind on points. Heavy kicks just worked perfectly with my body type, and it’s been a huge advantage ever since,” he explained.

Eersel, 33, holds a 64-5 record and is a 10-time ONE World Champion. Currently, he reigns as the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion, making him one of the most dominant fighters in the promotion’s history. Everyone wants a piece of him, especially Nabil Anane.

Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong Promises Night No One Will Forget

Rungrawee has left no doubt about the kind of performance he intends to deliver in the biggest fight of his career. The Thai veteran is not arriving at The Inner Circle simply hoping to compete with a 10-time ONE World Champion. He is arriving with a specific identity, a specific weapon, and a specific promise to the fans watching on live.onefc.com.

“I’m going to go out there and show everyone why I’m called ‘Legatron.’ Whether those kicks are enough to win the World Title, we’ll see on fight night. But I promise I’m going to give it everything I’ve got and leave a performance that no one will forget,” he said.

Watch The Inner Circle live on Friday, April 10, at live.onefc.com.