‘Go For The Knockout’ – Nong-O Eager To Test Rodtang’s Iron Chin At ONE 173
The Thai legend won’t hesitate to finish his compatriot in their battle for the gold on Sunday, November 16.
By Kriel Ibarrola
Oct 22, 2025, 20:58 UTC
Former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama built a legendary career on devastating knockouts, and he has no intention of changing that approach when he faces off against one of the most notoriously durable fighters of all time.
The 38-year-old striking great will go to war with Thai countryman Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which goes down live on Sunday, November 16 from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
At stake is the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Over the past few years, Rodtang’s chin has become the stuff of legend. Across more than 300 fights, “The Iron Man’s” steel jaw has shown impossible durability, making the 28-year-old nearly unstoppable. Because of this, many view Rodtang as a dangerous brawler.
But the Thai megastar is more complex than that. Beneath the surface, he’s a sharp technician with elite-level skills when he rises to the occasion, as evidenced by his 80-second annihilation of Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa at ONE 172 this past March.
That brutal knockout cemented why “The Iron Man” is today among the most feared finishers in Muay Thai.
Yet Nong-O sees beyond his brawler image. The Thai veteran recognizes Rodtang’s greatest weapon isn’t his ability to absorb or dish out punishment. It’s the brilliant tactical mind behind those relentless attacks:
“Rodtang is a durable fighter. He is tough. Some might view him [simply] as an aggressive fighter. For me, Rodtang has a really high fight IQ, and that is intimidating. I see him as an intelligent boxer in terms of [improvising].
“His most powerful weapon is his fists. Those nice fists can give people knockouts. He has great weapons, and he can bring the roar out of the audience.”
Rodtang has captivated millions of fans from around the world with his innate toughness. “The Iron Man” laughs in the face of danger, eats shots that would crumple others, and marches forward with a huge grin. His fearless approach has surrounded him with an aura of invincibility in ONE.
But if anyone can score a knockout against the near-indestructible force, Nong-O believes he may be the man to do it.
Despite Rodtang’s superhuman reputation, Nong-O believes he still bleeds like everyone else, and the calculating veteran has spent a career exploiting fleeting moments of vulnerability.
Nong-O has made it clear that he will chase the finish if the opportunity presents itself, no matter how tough Rodtang is:
“It would be really challenging to have a knockout in this fight. So, I would love to win by score. But if there is good timing, I would totally go for the knockout because I’ve been preparing so many forms of strikes. Knocking out Rodtang would be hard, but if there’s a chance, I’ll try to do it.”
Nong-O understands that beating his compatriot is a gargantuan task in and of itself. Both men are among the most elite in “the art of eight limbs” — the best of the best in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
The iconic veteran looks at this showdown with Rodtang as a violent chess match where split-second decisions will determine victory. The former bantamweight king acknowledges there’s no easy route:
“Personally, I do not see any weakness. His force, his physical condition, his IQ, and his skills.
“For this upcoming fight, it’s all about the wit. We will see who is better at improvising and who can snatch their precise timing first.”
Nong-O Says Fatherhood Has Made Rodtang Even More Dangerous
Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s life has transformed in recent months. The Thai megastar welcomed his first child, Zlatan, into the world this past July and has taken on a new role of devoted father.
The joy of raising his son has brought renewed motivation to Rodtang. For the first time in his life, he is fighting for something bigger than money or belts. He’s fighting for his son’s future.
Nong-O understands this better than most, with two sons of his own who have inspired him in the same way. As such, the 38-year-old expects Rodtang to enter the Circle at his absolute best, determined to set an example for his newborn.
Now with Rodtang given a chance to reclaim the belt he had held for five years, Nong-O expects an even more dangerous version of “The Iron Man”:
“A father would want to do his best to show his child that he can do it. So, that could play a part. Rodtang is now a father. I am a father. So, that’s relatable.”
When two legends like Nong-O and Rodtang collide, the fans walk away as the biggest winners. Nong-O will do his best to deliver an unforgettable performance to fans at Ariake Arena, and he knows Rodtang will try to do the same.
Beyond the vacant throne lies deeper meaning — two decorated champions, both fathers, both fighting for the next generation. Win or lose, these men will remind the world why they’re considered all-time greats.
Nong-O declared:
“I think both of us can make this fight really entertaining. After this fight, if he wins, he’s going to be a legend.
“If I beat Rodtang in this upcoming fight, I would like to send a message to all fighters that your age or your fight experience are not your obstacles. Because it is all on your determination and your passion.”
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