The Inner Circle 38 Virtual Press Conference: Rodtang, Nong-O, Shimon, And Ondash Bring The Heat
The tournament combatants discuss their big matchups ahead of this Friday's spectacle in Bangkok.
By Vijay Kumar
Nov 11, 2026, 06:57 UTC
The 2026-2027 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix officially kicks off at The Inner Circle 38 on Friday, November 13, emanating from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Eight elite strikers will compete for a chance to definitively establish themselves as the absolute best in the division.
The marquee spectacle will feature two pivotal quarterfinal matchups, with the remaining two bouts scheduled to take place the following week. The opening round promises massive stakes, as the biggest names in Muay Thai battle for a coveted place in the semifinals, streaming exclusively via live.onefc.com.
In the main event, former longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon will square off against former eight-time ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion and living legend Nong-O Hama. Meanwhile, two young phenoms, Japan’s Shimon Yoshinari and Lebanon’s Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash, will collide in the other quarterfinal bracket.
Ahead of their respective contests, the four Grand Prix participants took part in The Inner Circle 38 Virtual Press Conference on Tuesday, November 10. They discussed their grueling preparations, tournament ambitions, and the looming challenges awaiting them, with each fighter making it abundantly clear that a place in the semifinals is firmly in their sights.
Rodtang Ready To Put Brotherhood Aside Against Nong-O
Few martial artists command the global reverence that Rodtang Jitmuangnon enjoys. The 29-year-old Thai megastar has built a legendary reputation through his relentless forward pressure, heavy hands, punishing kicks, and remarkable ability to absorb damage.
Representing Jitmuangnon Gym, Rodtang boasts an extraordinary 274-44 professional record. A former six-time ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, he also holds the distinct honor of securing the most wins in ONE’s all-striking contests.
Currently ranked second in the division, Rodtang is determined to return to the win column and progress to the semifinals. He also remains deeply motivated by the prospect of reclaiming the flyweight Muay Thai crown — a belt he never actually lost inside the ring.
Rodtang and Nong-O were originally scheduled to meet at ONE 173 last November for the vacant flyweight Muay Thai gold. However, Rodtang fell ill before the contest, forcing the highly anticipated matchup to be scrapped. Their Grand Prix quarterfinal will finally bring the two Thai icons together.
Despite actively looking up to Nong-O during his younger days, Rodtang insists that their friendship will not affect his calculated approach when they step through the ropes.
He told onefc.com:
“I’ve been very focused on this fight. I’ve trained hard for more than a month, and my body has never been better. I’m ready to fight the legendary Nong-O, even though he’s someone I look up to. But brotherhood has to stay on the sideline when we both step into the ring this Friday.”
Nong-O Eyes Two-Division Glory With Victory Over Rodtang
Nong-O Hama will bring an unmatched wealth of championship experience into the Grand Prix. At 40 years old, the Thai veteran owns a remarkable 268-59 professional record, including 13 definitive victories under the ONE Championship banner.
A former eight-time ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, Nong-O has established himself as one of the most accomplished fighters in the history of the sport. Representing Superbon Training Camp and Evolve MMA, he is universally renowned for his technical brilliance, elite ring intelligence, and ability to systematically break down opponents with calculated attacks.
Nong-O now holds an opportunity to add another major achievement to his already heavily decorated career. He wants to progress through the Grand Prix, capture the flyweight gold, and cement his legacy as a two-division ONE World Champion.
Standing opposite him will be a fighter who once considered him a genuine idol. However, Nong-O fully understands the danger Rodtang presents and knows he will need to bring his absolute best performance to advance.
Nong-O said at the virtual press conference:
“Now I have to focus on fighting the superstar Rodtang, who I consider one of the most dangerous fighters in flyweight right now. So everybody needs to tune in this Friday to see how I adapt, what kind of game plan I bring, and how it ends. No matter what happens this Friday, I’ll give it my best.”
Ramadan Ondash Is Proud To Share The Grand Prix Stage With Legends
At just 20 years old, Ramadan Ondash has already established himself as one of the most captivating young strikers in ONE. Representing Lebanon and training out of Tiger Muay Thai, he owns a 14-4 career record and a stellar 6-1 promotional slate.
Ondash earned his six-figure main roster contract after putting together four consecutive victories in the strawweight division.
Although he suffered a narrow setback against Aliff Sor Dechapan in his promotional debut on the main roster, he bounced back impressively after moving up to flyweight, seamlessly securing two victories against world-class opposition.
Known for his heavy hands and relentless pursuit of the finish, the young Lebanese star now has his sights locked on a place in the semifinals. He is also thrilled about the distinct possibility of facing one of the division’s biggest names in the next round, although he knows Shimon stands directly between him and that opportunity.
He said:
“I’m proud of myself, because I’m here with the eight superstars, including two legends. I’m very proud. Of course, I’m focusing on Shimon. I don’t care [about anything else right now]. After I finish Shimon, my dream is to fight Rodtang, but for now I’m focused on Shimon.”
Shimon Believes He Has The Edge Over Ondash
Shimon Yoshinari enters the Grand Prix as one of its most technically gifted young contenders. The 22-year-old Japanese striker represents EIWA Sports Gym and brings an impressive 27-1 professional record, including six flawless victories in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
A former WBC Muay Thai World Champion, Yoshinari is currently riding a remarkable 14-fight winning streak. He earned his fifth promotional victory in April by defeating Malaysian-American sensation Johan “Jojo” Ghazali, a masterful performance that secured him a US$100,000 main roster contract.
Currently ranked #4 in the flyweight Muay Thai division, Yoshinari is a highly patient and well-rounded tactician. He also arrives with considerable momentum after stopping Thai veteran Suablack Tor Pran49 in his most recent appearance.
Despite Ondash’s reputation as a heavy-handed knockout artist, Yoshinari believes he holds the distinct advantage in almost every technical department.
Shimon said:
“Compared to Ramadan, I’m superior in everything except speed. When you ask what separates him from me, and what’s different between Ramadan and me, my answer is everything. I don’t see anything similar between us.”
He also addressed Ondash’s tendency to lose his mouthpiece during chaotic exchanges in his last fight, making it crystal clear that he would not ease off the pressure if that happened during their quarterfinal.
Shimon concluded:
“If the referee doesn’t stop the fight, I’ll keep attacking him.”
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