‘He Will Always Get My Respect’ – Rodtang Honored To Face His Role Model Nong-O At ONE 173
“The Iron Man” reflects on facing his idol for the vacant flyweight Muay Thai throne on Sunday, November 16.
By Kriel Ibarrola
Oct 21, 2025, 16:36 UTC
Former undisputed ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon has always looked up to Muay Thai icon Nong-O Hama. But at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, he must put his admiration for the veteran aside in his quest to reclaim his crown.
On Sunday, November 16, Rodtang will face Nong-O for the vacant flyweight Muay Thai throne at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
It’s a matchup full of respect and brotherhood, alongside the intensity of competition at the highest level of the sport.
Rodtang’s reverence for his senior stems from witnessing the former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion’s remarkable career. With an unshakable will to win across roughly 350 professional fights, Nong-O has built a legacy few can match.
The 38-year-old has conquered nearly every major accolade in “the art of eight limbs.” This includes capturing two Thailand National Championships, four Lumpinee Stadium World Titles across multiple divisions, and a Rajadamnern Stadium crown.
Nong-O’s reign of dominance extended into his run in the world’s largest martial arts organization. Since joining the promotion in 2018, the former champion produced seven successful World Title defenses, with five ending in brutal knockouts.
Even at his age, Nong-O continues to defy Father Time today. His move to flyweight renewed his vigor, and earned him a shot at two-division glory against the world’s most exciting striker.
Needless to say, Rodtang holds Nong-O in very high regard. “The Iron Man” told onefc.com:
“For Nong-O, since I got a contract with ONE Championship, he has always been the role model for both [fighting] and living life. The way he takes care of his body, he is the best.
“He should be the role model of the role models that everyone should try to follow in his footsteps. He will always get my respect.”
Despite already having cemented himself as an all-time great, Nong-O has remained remarkably humble in his career. This humility was not lost on Rodtang the first time he met the iconic veteran.
Nong-O has always been a champion who carried himself with quiet dignity, and “The Iron Man” found himself gravitating toward his idol because of this.
Their friendship then blossomed over shared meals in Singapore and deepened during a company retreat in Phuket back in 2019. There, the two warriors formed a bond that transcended the four corners of the ring.
Because of that camaraderie, Rodtang never imagined they would one day face each other:
“I [didn’t] want to fight him from the start. When I fought in Singapore, we met [for the first time], and we had a meal together. We were together in every fight while I was in Singapore. Every time we meet, we always respect one another. I have said that I never want to fight with Nong-O.
“[Even] when ONE Championship held a trip to Phuket, with all of ONE’s superstars, six years ago. I stated that I never wish to fight with Nong-O. Because I respect him.”
For years, Rodtang had never wavered on his stance. He ruled the flyweight division with an iron fist while Nong-O furthered his legend with his reign as bantamweight king.
But destiny has a way of forcing difficult situations.
Now, they stand on opposite sides — two consummate professionals who understand that respect for their craft comes first, and that their legacies hang in the balance. When the final bell rings in their upcoming World Title showdown, their friendship will resume.
But until then, Rodtang will accept his responsibility.
“When our paths cross, we have our duties. I’ll need to do my best.”
Rodtang Torn Between Friendship And World Championship Glory
Rodtang and Nong-O share a brotherhood that extends far beyond their fighting careers. They spend time together outside of the ring, often to play football — a sport they both love.
Those moments on the field would be the closest they would ever get to competing against each other, or so Rodtang thought. Now, business will move from the field to the Circle.
The mere idea of reclaiming his belt at his friend’s expense creates a bittersweet conflict. ”The Iron Man” is uncertain if victory over Nong-O would even bring the same satisfaction:
“If I win, I will just win. I guess I’ll be happy when I win the championship, just like how everybody else would.
“But fighting another Thai fighter is another thing, especially Nong-O, whom I highly respect.”
That being said, Rodtang is a professional first, and he knows Nong-O will step onto the battlefield with the same mindset. When the Circle door closes, they’ll be hungry World Title contenders chasing immortality, not friends sharing meals and jokes.
The weight of this upcoming showdown is undeniable. The former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion can’t shake the feeling that this fight will feel unlike any other. Something unspoken lingers beneath the surface.
Still, Rodtang knows where his focus must be. He concluded:
“I might be happy or maybe not. I don’t know about this one. There’s something deep inside.
“I just perform my best in each fight and make everyone proud of me. When I fight, I don’t fight for myself but for the fans, for those who love me.”
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