"It's really time" - Lito Adiwang says Rodtang's next move should be a switch to bantamweight

ONE strawweight MMA constant Lito Adiwang is doubling down on his thoughts about ONE former flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon moving up to the 145-pound bantamweight Muay Thai ranks.

'Thunder Kid' said as much in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA:

"We don't know what's happening with him behind the scenes so I can't really speak on that. But missing weight in that big event with all eyes on you? I don't know if it's a motivation thing or what really happened. But once you accept that bout, that's the first thing you should be thinking about."

Adiwang added:

"Second is the opponent, especially since you're the champ. So I believe it's really time for him to move up, because he doesn't have any exciting opponents anymore at this weight class, and second, this isn't the first time he missed weight."

The Filipino was referring to the incident in which 'The Iron Man' was stripped of the gold for weighing half a pound over the 135-pound limit prior to defending the flyweight Muay Thai crown against Jacob Smith at ONE 169 on Nov. 8.

Though he emerged victorious over the United Kingdom star, many of Rodtang's peers, like ONE bantamweight kickboxing king and former foe Jonathan Haggerty, have also implored him to make the move to bantamweight.

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Rodtang contemplating bantamweight move in the future

Even though Rodtang has stated his desire to win back the now-vacant ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship, he has also teased trying his skills at the bantamweight level.

The Jitmuangnon Gym star recently told the world's largest martial arts promotion:

"I have to try it once. I can't give an answer now. But if I can move up, that's the answer I will give to everyone."