WATCH: First footage of Rodtang Jitmuangnon as a Buddhist monk

From 'The Iron Man' to 'The Iron Monk', ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon recently became a Buddhist monk in his native country of Thailand. This tradition is practiced by young men in Thailand, including ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK.Saenchai and Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek, just to name a few.

As per the tradition, Rodtang Jitmuangnon will have to shave his head, trade his kickboxing shorts for Buddhist robes, and do daily meditations at the temple for 15 days.

In a recent video posted on Rodtang's Instagram account, we saw the first footage of the ONE flyweight Muay Thai king in full monk garb. He was seen interacting with people on the streets with fellow monks from the monastery.

Here's the video:

Learning about the gifts of simplicity, harmony, and spiritual balance will definitely benefit the mental aspect of Rodtang's fighting career. They say the best warriors own the sharpest, most lethal blades but know when to sheath and unsheath them. Being capable of unleashing violence but putting it under voluntary control is what separates mere brawlers from true martial artists. It requires a calm and peaceful mind - akin to that of a monk.

Rodtang is taking a major step into cementing his legacy as one of the greatest martial artists to have ever lived.

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ONE CEO thinks a bout between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9 makes sense

ONE CEO and chairman Chatri Sityodtong recently expressed interest in a possible dream match between world champions Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9.

In an interview with SCMP MMA, Sityodtong shared that pitting the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champ and the ONE flyweight kickboxing titleholder “makes sense” and his team is exploring options at the moment.

Though a bout between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek could be finalized to headline any high-profile event, there is still a strong possibility that the two would meet each other at the planned Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix.

The ONE CEO said:

"Yeah, I think it [fight] definitely makes sense. Of course, right now we are trying to figure out who the 16 athletes are for the Openweight [Muay Thai World Grand Prix]. So that obviously, of course we want [the two] to fight whether it’s for the Muay Thai title or for the kickboxing title."

Sityodtong added:

"Are one of those guys or both of those guys gonna be in the openweight Grand Prix? I don’t know yet."

Whether the two meet in their own separate events or as competitors in the Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix, this champion vs. champion match will definitely be one for the ages.

Watch Sityodtong's interview below: