Thai megastar Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon will face the most emotionally challenging fight of his career when he battles mentor and close friend Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The 28-year-old former longtime champion expressed profound respect for the 39-year-old legend while acknowledging the necessity of their battle to determine the division’s undisputed king.
Rodtang seeks redemption after being stripped of his belt in November 2024 for missing weight, while Nong-O pursues what could be his final opportunity to capture ONE Championship gold after dropping down from bantamweight.
Rodtang Never Wanted This Fight
The former flyweight king revealed his long-standing reluctance to face someone he considers both mentor and family, explaining how their deep personal bond made this matchup something he actively avoided throughout his career. The emotional complexity adds significant weight to what would otherwise be a straightforward championship contest.
“I respect and look up to Nong-O as my teacher. He always took care of me. I even said back then that I never wanted to face Nong-O in ONE because I respect him so much. But it has come to the point where we have to find the undisputed #1 in the division,” Rodtang said.
Rodtang has established himself as the face of modern Muay Thai since his 2018 promotional debut, capturing the flyweight title in August 2019 through dominant performances.
‘The Iron Man’ Vows Career-Best Performance Against Legend
The Thai superstar emphasized the significance of this title opportunity and promised to deliver his finest performance against an opponent he deeply respects. Rodtang’s recent 80-second knockout victory over Japanese sensation Takeru Segawa demonstrated his devastating form heading into this emotional clash of Muay Thai titans.
“Every fight is important, and this one gives me the chance to challenge for the flyweight belt again. I’m going to do my absolute best, and this fight will be my best performance against someone I respect deeply,” Rodtang said.
The vacant title became available following Rodtang’s weight miss, creating this opportunity for both Thai legends to reclaim World Title glory. The stripped championship has haunted “The Iron Man” throughout his recent campaign, fueling his determination to recapture the gold he never lost in competition.
World Title Gold Remains Ultimate Motivation for Rodtang
Despite the emotional complications of facing his mentor, Rodtang made clear that reclaiming championship status drives everything he does in the sport. The former champion’s desire to wear gold around his shoulder supersedes even his personal feelings about the opponent.
“The feeling of getting the belt back again makes me very happy. I’m going all out. I want to reclaim this belt because, above all else, I want to have a championship title on my shoulder,” Rodtang offered.
Nong-O brings legendary credentials into this flyweight championship opportunity, having captured the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title in February 2019 and defending it seven consecutive times. The living legend lost his bantamweight crown in April 2023 and struggled against larger opponents before reinventing himself at flyweight, where his vintage form returned in a May 2025 unanimous decision victory over Kongthoranee Sor Sommai.
In the United States, watch ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri live on pay-per-view exclusively on live.onefc.com at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on Saturday, November 15.
