After wreaking havoc through Thailand’s most prestigious stadiums, Rodtang Jitmuangnon (252-40-10) is ready, and excited, for a new challenge.
The 21-year-old known as “The Iron Man” will be crossing international waters for his ONE Super Series premiere this coming Saturday, 22 September.
He is scheduled to make his debut against two-time W5 World Champion Sergio “Samurai” Wielzen (46-19-2) in a Muay Thai flyweight bout at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES, which emanates from the Jakarta Convention Center.
Training out of famous Jitmuangnon gym in Northern Bangkok, fans can rest assured knowing Rodtang will leave it all in the cage come event night in Jakarta, Indonesia.
With his recent string of high profile wins, “The Iron Man” has a newfound confidence, which has made him nearly invincible.
This year alone, he has defeated the likes of Superbank Mor Ratanabandit, Mongkonkeaw Sor.Sommai, and Suakim Sit.Sor.Tor.Taew — the latter of whom became a Lumpinee Stadium World Champion earlier this month.
He plans to extend that string of success when he steps into the cage for his first match in The Home Of Martial Arts.
“I don’t know how I’ll do it,” he says. “But I’m going to get the win, no matter what.”
Rodtang draws Wielzen in his first ONE Super Series appearance, who should provide a stern challenge.
The Dutch-Surinamese striker is an accomplished competitor who trains out of Sityodtong Amsterdam in The Netherlands.
He is well known for his knockout power, and is heavily experienced in both Muay Thai and kickboxing. Also, he has claimed multiple World Championships in a plethora of promotions, including It’s Showtime, Lion Fight, and W5.
In his most recent bout, he challenged for the inaugural ONE Super Series Flyweight World Title. Although the result did not go his way, he showed tremendous heart and was fearless in battle.
While Rodtang is focused on achieving victory, there is one small detail he is not overlooking.
“He is a lot bigger than me,” the Bangkok native acknowledges.
Truth be told, “The Iron Man” is actually moving up a good two kilograms for this contest, whereas “Samurai” will enter the cage in his comfort zone of 61.2 kilograms.
Also, he will be donning mixed martial arts gloves for the first time in his 13-year career. While some athletes would be intimidated about that, he is quite the opposite.
“I am excited for to wear the [smaller] gloves,” Rodtang professes. “It’s going to be fun.”
While Rodtang’s style favors the smaller mixed martial arts gloves, it also leaves him a little more exposed.
The Bangkok resident is known as a Muay-Bu, which is an aggressor. He is the type of athlete revered for his relentless onslaught of forward movement, while Wielzen has a more classical style of Muay Thai, as he likes to use his long limbs to attack from the outside.
Given this clash of styles, it seems like both competitors will be going all out for the knockout, and “The Iron Man” is optimistic he will be the one achieving that goal.
“I will make sure I am the last man standing,” he promises. “I’ve got my hands and feet. I won’t be denied.”
This marks the beginning of a new chapter in Rodtang’s career.
The superstar has highly accomplished in Bangkok’s Muay Thai scene, having claimed the Omnoi Stadium Championship on two occasions already.
This forthcoming event marks the first time he is competing on a platform as large as ONE, and it is one of the few times the Southern Thai native has traveled abroad.
However, by defeating Wielzen at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES, he hopes it will lead to even bigger things.
“I’m ready to go where ever ONE Championship will take me.”
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