Denis Puric didn't get his hand raised at ONE 167. However, that doesn't mean he wasn't able to take some major positives away from that night.
The veteran contender had been calling for one specific fight for some time and when he finally got it, it certainly didn't disappoint. Puric went to war with Rodtang Jitmuangnon in kickboxing for three rounds earlier this month at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.
The contest was a great watch for all the fans and it lived up to any and all expectations given both men's reputations. As it came to an end, rather than beating himself up for not capitalizing on this opportunity, Puric was grateful for the chance to try and prove himself.
He reflected on the fight during an interview on the ONE on SK, podcast where he gave tons of props to his opponent and what he represents:
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"He's beaten the best guys in the world, he's one of the most entertaining fighters, one of my favorite fighters, which is the reason why I wanted to share the circle with him."
Watch the full interview below:
Denis Puric and Rodtang are a new dynamic duo
Denis Puric had no problem calling it how he saw it during the build-up to his fight with Rodtang.
'The Bosnian Menace' wanted the fight to try and prove himself, but he also felt that despite 'The Iron Man' being one of the best in the world, he wasn't facing the toughest opposition.
However, ever since the fight, it has been nothing but respect and friendship between the two men after they shared the circle with one another.
Watch the full fight below or alternatively, North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch all the action from ONE 167 back via the free event replay.