Rodtang proud of ONE Lumpinee, wants younger people to practice Muay Thai

'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon started his professional fighting career when he was just a boy. Muay Thai has given him an opportunity to have a world-renowned combat presence, with one big step along the way seeing him cut his teeth through the iconic Lumpinee Stadium.

Lumpinee Stadium has been a key point in several great Muay Thai fighters' journeys, including Dieselnoi, Saenchai, and Buakaw. Plus, this institution has built multiple ONE Muay Thai world champions, including Tawanchai PK. Saenchai, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, and of course, Rodtang.

ONE Championship announced that the organization will begin to work alongside Lumpinee in 2023 to help grow and support the sport of Muay Thai. 'The Iron Man' has discussed how much he liked the new association.

Speaking in an interview with SCMP MMA, the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion explained:

"I am very happy that ONE Lumpinee is hosting its events in Thailand. Thai boxers lack support. It’s like in the Olympics when we got a lot of support from the government. Thai boxers have to go out there and fight and gain some publicity."

ONE working with Lumpinee will also help Muay Thai fighters earn a faster route onto the international stage. Rodtang continued:

"They also want an opportunity to go to the bigger stages and this event will help to step up and improve their skills and prepare them to the world stage later. I love Muay Thai and I really want Muay Thai to improve. I really want the younger people to do Muay Thai."

See the full interview below:

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Rodtang's upcoming match at ONE Fight Night 6

Thai superstar Rodtang is looking forward to enjoying ONE Lumpinee 1 on January 20, but he has his own fight to worry about soon. 'The Iron Man' is looking to earn more pieces of ONE Championship gold.

After hundreds of bouts and several defenses of his ONE Muay Thai throne, the Thai athlete is looking to earn a world championship in another sport. The ONE flyweight Muay Thai king is planning to earn a gold in kickboxing this year.

Rodtang will make his kickboxing return in ONE Championship at ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video on January 13. 'The Iron Man' will face China's 'The Eagle of Yi' Jiduo Yibu as the first step in his journey to kickboxing gold.

ONE Fight Night 6 is live and free for North American fans with a Prime Video subscription.