“I was surprised” - Rodtang admits he was ‘scared’ the Takeru fight was out after Japanese fighter suffered knockdown

Former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon may have been stripped of his golden belt for failing to pass weight and hydration yesterday, but that has not diminished the massive fights on his horizon -- belt or no belt.

Rodtang is one of the hottest properties in the world's largest martial arts organization. A global megastar, Rodtang transcends mere world titles. Each of his fights carry weight and meaning.

One of the biggest fights to be made for 'The Iron Man' is a matchup against Japanese kickboxing icon 'The Natural Born Crusher' Takeru Segawa.

Takeru last saw action in a September scrap with Myanmar's Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81. In that fight, the Japanese star suffered a knockdown in the first round, much to the shock of everyone watching, including Rodtang.

Speaking to veteran MMA reporter Nic Atkin of Bangkok Post, Rodtang shared his thoughts on Takeru's performance.

'The Iron Man' said:

"The very second that I saw him get knocked down, I was surprised, and I was also scared that I would not get to fight him. So I have to give him a lot of respect for coming back up and winning that fight. So, yeah, I will have to see him soon."

Before Rodtang can get to Takeru, however, he has to get past Jacob Smith tomorrow night. It's bad enough that he's been stripped of the Muay Thai gold, but Rodtang has to make a statement here to reestablish his position in the grand scheme of things.

---

Rodtang Jitmuangnon to battle Jacob Smith in ONE 169 on Prime Video co-main event

Muay Thai megastar 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon is out for redemption after losing his ONE flyweight Muay Thai gold on the scales yesterday. The 27-year-old is set to face the United Kingdom's Jacob Smith in a highly anticipated rematch.

The two will clash in the co-main event at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, which will be broadcast live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, November 8.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.