‘Give It Your All, My Brother’ – Rodtang Wants ‘Fierce’ World Title Bout With Mentor Nong-O At ONE 173
"The Iron Man" is honoured to compete against the Thai icon at ONE 173 in Tokyo, Japan.
By Chris Mohan
Nov 10, 2025, 23:23 UTC
Top-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon never imagined the day would come when he’d have to face #3-ranked Nong-O Hama inside the Circle.
The 28-year-old has always looked up to the former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion as a teacher, mentor, and brother.
But on Sunday, November 16, those bonds will be tested when the two Thai icons collide for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
It’s the most emotionally difficult challenge of “The Iron Man’s” career, and one he never wanted to accept. Yet when the promotion needed to determine the undisputed flyweight king, there was no avoiding the inevitable.
When the matchup was first announced, Rodtang’s initial reaction wasn’t excitement — it was sadness.
The former flyweight Muay Thai king said:
“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. Since both Nong-O and I are in the rankings, the time has come for us to meet. I had to reluctantly agree.”
Their bond transcends competition. When Rodtang first arrived in ONE Championship as a young prospect hungry to prove himself, the Phatthalung native saw Nong-O as more than a colleague – he became family.
Nong-O made a permanent switch to flyweight this year after a legendary run in the bantamweight Muay Thai division. There, he once reigned as the kingpin for 1,526 days with seven straight title defenses.
Rodtang poured out the admiration he has for his compatriot without hesitation:
“Nong-O is a great role model for every fighter. I’m not even half as good as him. He is excellent, he prepares, he is dedicated to training, and he truly puts his heart and soul into this career. He’s just incredible.”
Despite the emotional difficulty of facing his mentor, Rodtang approaches ONE 173 with the fierce determination that has defined his entire career.
The chance to reclaim the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title represents unfinished business, and he’s determined to do all he can to walk out of the Japanese capital with a 275th career victory and gold wrapped around his waist.
Rodtang continued:
“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 Thrilled To Fight For Gold In ‘Second Home’
After losing his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title on the scales last year, Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s desire to wear gold again burns brightly.
Moreover, with him riding the momentum from his 80-second knockout of Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” at ONE 172 in Saitama Super Arena this past March, the chance to return to competition on Japanese soil adds a special layer of excitement for the Thai striking maestro.
“The Iron Man” said:
“I’m really happy to have the chance to go back and fight in Japan again. As I’ve said every time I’ve been interviewed, Japan is like my second home. I have to thank all the fans who welcomed me so well. I feel the happiest when I go to fight there.
“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.”
That energy will fuel Rodtang as he steps into the Circle for the most emotionally complex fight of his decorated career.
With thousands of passionate Japanese fans cheering him on and millions watching around the world, he’ll have the platform to showcase everything that makes Muay Thai beautiful – technical mastery, warrior spirit, and unwavering respect between competitors.
In the days leading up to ONE 173, he sent a message to his fellow Thai striking great that perfectly captures the unique nature of this matchup. It wasn’t trash talk or psychological warfare. It was a heartfelt invitation to create something special together.
He concluded:
“To Nong-O, give it your all, my brother. Let’s showcase the art of Muay Thai for everyone to see so that our fight will be just as exciting as any other fights on the card. No matter what happens in the ring, no matter how the fight ends or how fierce it is, win or lose, it’s a sport, and I love and respect you just the same.”
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Everything else you need to know about ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.
