"He's always trying to learn new things" - Rodtang enamored by Mikey Musumeci's curiously intuitive mind

Reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai kingpin Rodtang Jitmuangnon is amazed by Mikey Musumeci's thirst for life.

Despite competing in two completely different combat sports, 'The Iron Man' and 'Darth Rigatoni' have become unlikely friends this past year.

As far as Rodtang is concerned, it's Musumeci's openness to absorb knowledge and willingness to share it, that drew him in. 'The Iron Man' shared his admiration for the American grappler in an exclusive interview with ONE Championship:

"Mikey is a determined person and smart. He looks like he doesn't have a coach, but he's always trying to learn new things."

For instance, Rodtang cited Mikey Musumeci's genius when it comes to 'The Gentle Art'.

Known more for his dreaded open guard, Musumeci is also quite adept with his closed guard, which is mostly considered a defensive position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Rodtang, however, has witnessed just how insanely lethal the flyweight submission grappling champion can be from his back. He added:

"In his closed guard position, he has a thousand ways to submit you."

What makes Rodtang and Mikey Musumeci's bond so special is the give-and-take aspect of their relationship.

Aside from teaching each other the intricacies of Muay Thai and BJJ, they have both widened one another's horizons by sharing their culture and deep appreciation for martial arts.

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Rodtang says 'language barrier' doesn't affect his friendship with Mikey Musumeci

Although his understanding of the English language is quite limited, Rodtang doesn't need words to connect with his good buddy Mikey Musumeci.

In the same interview with ONE, 'The Iron Man' shared how he communicates with the BJJ superstar when they hang out.

"I have my personal interpreter [when talking to him]. I understand some words he says, but I'm unable to communicate back because I'm not that good at English. But I understand what he's saying."

Meanwhile, these two world-class athletes will spring back to action at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs Nattawut II on Prime Video. Rodtang will slug it out with Denis Puric in a bantamweight kickboxing affair. Mikey Musumeci, on the other hand, goes up to bantamweight in a grappling showdown with Gabriel Sousa at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada can witness ONE 167 live on US Primetime on June 7.