Rodtang Jitmuangnon has an idea for a different kind of mixed-rules fight

Rodtang Jitmuangnon has proven time and time again that he is always looking to challenge himself. Aside from dominating the flyweight Muay Thai ranks, ‘The Iron Man’ has taken himself out of his comfort zone on several occasions.

At ONE X in March, he faced Demetrious Johnson in the promotion’s first-ever mixed-rules superfight. Whilst he may have lost the bout, the Thai star was grateful for the experience.

Ahead of his upcoming kickboxing bout, he has spoken about his love for ONE doing something different and even had some suggestions for future mixed-rules fights.

In an interview with the promotion, he said:

“I’m happy that ONE wants to do something different again. It’s a treat for martial art fans around the world to watch. It is great fun to predict who will win in this fight and what round. It doesn't matter if it is female or male or cross-division. Or perhaps we may have triathlon matches in the future -- first round Muay Thai, second round MMA, and final round kickboxing.”

Rodtang Jitmuangnon will feature on ONE Fight Night 6, where he faces China’s Jiduo Yibu in kickboxing. A win could see him earn himself a shot at a second world championship.

---

Rodtang Jitmuangnon to become a monk after ONE Fight Night 6

'The Iron Man' will soon become 'The Iron Monk' as Rodtang Jitmuangnon looks to follow the tradition in Thailand of young men becoming Buddhist monks.

Trading in his daily training for meditation, he will shave off his hair and begin living in the temple for a short amount of time.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Rodtang said:

"I’m turning 25 right now. I think it is the right time to do this. And my parents want me to become a monk, too. Otherwise, I may get busy later and I may miss the chance again, so it is now or never for me. I plan to get ordained after my fight and be at the temple for 15 days."

This tradition is experienced by most males in Thailand during their lifetime. The likes of Muay Thai and kickboxing legend Buakaw Banchamek have completed this in the past. ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK.Saenchai also committed himself to the temple last year.

But before Rodtang can wear the sacred orange robes, he must make it through ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video on January 13. The Muay Thai phenom has been booked for a kickboxing battle against China's Jiduo Yibu.

The fight card will be live and free to watch for North American fans with a Prime Video subscription.