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Rodtang Jitmuangnon is getting attention from the mainstream media.
You can’t be a diehard combat sports fan without knowing about Rodtang. The 25-year-old is ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion and has a promotional record of 11-0 in the art of eight limbs. Although martial arts continues to grow, the general public has little knowledge of Muay Thai fighters like ‘The Iron Man'.
Luckily, sports fans are being put on notice with the help of ESPN SportsCenter. The worldwide leader in sports posted a Rodtang highlight reel showcasing his durability to their 32.5 million Instagram followers.
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The comment section was filled with praise, including some saying:
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“Homie ate 3 fists and danced about it”
"Rodtang is him‼️ if you don’t know now you know 🤷🏻♂️”
"ion think y’all get how demoralizing dat is to the fighter throwing shots, it’s a solid strategy”
"If I ever fight somebody like that on bro imma just give up cuz what's the point”
"The man has over 260 fights under his belt. People talking like it’s his first rodeo. Mans face built with a helmet on. 😂”
Rodtang grew up in Thailand, where he didn’t have money for toys or other childhood essentials. ‘The Iron Man’ had his first Muay Thai fight at the age of eight before eventually joining the Jitmuangnon gym at 14.
Over a decade later, the 25-year-old is establishing generational wealth through fighting with his hard work and determination.
Watch the Rodtang Jitmuangnon highlight reel posted by SportsCenter below:
What’s next for Rodtang Jitmuangnon?
Rodtang Jitmuangnon ended 2022 with two Muay Thai wins and a loss against Demetrious Johnson in a mixed-rules bout. Although he’s shown interest in transitioning to MMA, his lack of grappling skills is a concern, as displayed in his match against Johnson.
‘The Iron Man’ has decided to stick with striking disciplines for now, but needs a new challenge after essentially taking out the entire ONE flyweight Muay Thai division.
The 25-year-old will start the 2023 calendar year hunting down the ONE flyweight kickboxing world title. Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s first challenge is against Daniel Puertas at ONE on Prime Video 6 in January. ‘The Iron Man’ is currently the top-ranked contender in the ONE flyweight kickboxing division and will look to solidify his place by claiming a win over Puertas.
With a win, the Thai superstar could be in line for a world title shot against either Ilias Ennahachi or Superlek Kiatmoo9, who will battle it out for the division’s throne at ONE on Prime Video 6.
