ONE Championship delivered massive news during a Japanese press conference earlier today, announcing four blockbuster fights including three World Title showdowns for the stacked ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri spectacle on Sunday, November 16, at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena. The loaded card features legendary Thai striker Rodtang Jitmuangnon battling Muay Thai icon Nong-O Hama for the vacant flyweight gold, while two-division champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee looks to settle some unfinished business with undefeated Turkish contender Alibeg Rasulov in a highly anticipated lightweight MMA title rematch.
Rodtang Gets Super-Fight With Living Legend Nong-O At ONE 173
The most compelling storyline centers around former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang’s quest to reclaim the throne he was stripped of in November 2024 for missing weight. The 28-year-old Thai megastar faces the ultimate test against the promotion’s most accomplished bantamweight champion, Nong-O Hama.
Rodtang began training in Muay Thai at age 7 and has compiled an incredible 274 career victories. Along the way, he established himself as the most dominant flyweight Muay Thai titleholder in ONE Championship history. The Jitmuangnon Gym product captured the belt in August 2019, defended the belt six times, and accumulated 17 victories in ONE Championship, becoming one of the organization’s biggest stars through his explosive fighting style and fan-friendly approach.
However, his weight struggles cost him the belt, creating this opportunity for the legendary Nong-O to add another chapter to his storied career. The 38-year-old veteran brings 267 career victories and an unprecedented eight-time reign as ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion into this vacant title clash. With 12 victories in ONE including 5 finishes, the living legend represents the ultimate challenge for Rodtang’s redemption story at ONE 173.
Lee Eyes Lightweight Title Defense in Rematch At ONE 173
Also at ONE 173, two-division champion Christian Lee will defend his ONE Lightweight MMA World Title against undefeated Turkish fighter Alibeg Rasulov in a rematch of their December 2024 encounter that ended in frustrating fashion. The initial encounter was ruled a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke, leaving both fighters seeking closure in this title clash.
The 27-year-old Lee enters the tilt as one of ONE Championship’s most accomplished fighters with a 17-4 career record across 21 promotional bouts. “The Warrior” has captured the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title four times while also claiming the ONE Lightweight MMA World Grand Prix Championship and ONE Welterweight MMA World Title, establishing himself as one of the promotion’s elite competitors.
Rasulov presents a significant threat with his perfect professional record and the motivation of fighting for his first ONE Championship belt. The Turkish looked sharp before the unfortunate eye poke ended their previous battle, suggesting he possesses the tools necessary to dethrone the reigning champion.
Additional Fights Confirmed For Stacked ONE 173 Card
The action continues with two additional fights that round out the spectacular card for ONE 173.
For the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title, 10-time Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka will challenge Thai striker Numsurin Chor Ketwina, with both fighters bringing perfect ONE records into their title clash.
The card also features kickboxing great Marat Grigorian facing former K-1 Super Lightweight Champion Rukiya Anpo in the Japanese star’s home country.
