Rodtang Jitmuangnon will finally begin his 2024 campaign at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II. The Thai star was initially slated for a January superfight against Takeru Segawa but withdrew due to injury. Now fully healthy, “The Iron Man” is ready to get back to work on June 7 against Denis Puric in a flyweight kickboxing affair.
Puric has been calling for a match with Rodtang since arriving in ONE Championship. Now, he finally gets his chance to prove his mettle against the flyweight Muay Thai king. Rodtang is pleased not only to get back to active competition but also to face a competitor who eagerly wants this matchup.
“I have known Denis Puric for a long time. Since he first joined ONE, he has been calling for me from the beginning. Thank you for always thinking of me. I respect him for his determination because it’s really difficult to run through many opponents to reach me. You have to fight to put yourself into the rankings to challenge me. He tried his best and managed to face me. I have to respect his fighting spirit,” Rodtang remarked to ONE.
The decision was not Rodtang’s to make. As the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion and top-ranked kickboxing contender, he has had a lot on his plate. Now that the match has finally arrived, Rodtang has been impressed by what Puric has done to earn his shot at “The Iron Man.”
“Puric built himself up to call me out. It’s his right to do that. He wants to fight with the best. I just waited for ONE’s matchmakers to approve it because I’m ready to fight anyone. He is very good. He beat Tagir Khalilov and Jacob Smith, so I think he deserves to face me. In his fight with Yodlekpet, I could see this guy is a veteran fighter, and he is more than ready to fight me,” the flyweight king said.
With ONE 167 coming up quickly, Rodtang has taken time to study his opponent’s strengths and perceived flaws. It is nothing new for Rodtang, who has worn a target on his back for many years. Given that he is coming off a loss to Superlek Kiatmoo9, Rodtang will want a clear and dominant victory to maintain pace and eye future bouts with the division’s biggest names, which means not looking past Puric’s upcoming challenge.
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“I never think that I had an advantage over anyone. I just want to do my best in every fight. Everyone has talent and strength. I never underestimate my opponent. They’re all good. I need to do my homework as best I can. Denis’ strengths are that he can get in and out quickly. And he is a heavy hitter, good at countering with punches, kicks, and knees. His weakness is that he seems to run out of gas at the end of the round. And his weak body will be a good target for me,” Rodtang stated.
Puric is confident in his own abilities, and that makes Rodtang excited for the showdown. It has motivated him to show up in the Impact Arena with the classic forward-moving style fans have come to love. And he has a stern message for Puric, setting the stage for what could be the Fight of the Night at ONE 167.
“Let’s see how it goes in the ring. I’m glad you think that I’m no match for you. Thank you for calling me out. See you on June 7, when you will know what hell on earth is,” Rodtang said.
ONE 167 airs live on Friday, June 7, from Bangkok. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
