Rodtang Vs. Nong-O: 4 Keys To Victory In Flyweight Muay Thai World Title Fight At ONE 173
The vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship will have a new home when two of Thailand’s greatest strikers collide at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.
Set to go down inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, former divisional king Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama go toe-to-toe in what promises to be an epic war.
Before these two friends and striking icons trade leather in Japan, we examine their biggest keys to victory on the blockbuster spectacle that will be available via global pay-per-view this Sunday, November 16.
#1 Rodtang’s Striking Arsenal
There’s no escape when Rodtang decides it’s time to throw down.
The Jitmuangnon Gym representative doesn’t just walk forward — he storms into range with bad intentions written all over his face.
Punches smash into the body. Elbows carve through guards. Knees crash into torsos. This never-ending assault forces opponents into an impossible position: fight back or shell up.
This suffocating pace will be his greatest asset against Nong-O.
The former bantamweight king is a surgeon with his strikes. But “The Iron Man’s” blend of chaos, pressure, and exhaustion could throw anyone off their game.
If he can drag his mentor into the trenches through his signature style, the legend will be fighting on Rodtang’s terms — and that’s exactly where the Japanese crowd might be treated to another moment of magic from the face of Muay Thai today.
#2 Nong-O’s Leg Kicks
Nong-O has spent decades perfecting the art of chopping opponents down like trees with his unforgiving leg kicks.
His kicks land with bone-rattling force, the kind that makes fighters wince even when they try to hide it. Inside kicks, ones that crack against the shin, those that thud into the thighs — he uses them all.
Rodtang might flash that trademark smile and tap his chin, but leg kicks, especially the ones Nong-O delivers, don’t care about bravado.
If he commits to attacking the 28-year-old’s foundation early and often, the most exciting puncher in Muay Thai today might find himself stuck in quicksand, unable to unleash the aggression that makes him so dangerous.
Not only will Rodtang’s mobility be compromised, but this should also give Nong-O the perfect opening to throw bombs upstairs that his fellow Thai won’t see coming.
He has used this tactic on numerous occasions in the past, and don’t be surprised if he employs the same plan to crack through “The Iron Man’s” near-impenetrable defense.
#3 Rodtang’s Granite Chin
“The Iron Man” isn’t just a cool nickname — it’s an accurate description of Rodtang’s defensive armor, particularly his chin.
The former flyweight Muay Thai king’s jaw is a legitimate weapon rather than just a party trick. It allows him to fight without fear, knowing he can eat whatever’s coming and keep pressing.
That psychological edge is massive against someone like Nong-O, whose power has crumpled elite strikers.
Even better, the Jitmuangnon Gym man uses his chin as bait. He’ll invite opponents to land that big money shot, and when they take their chance, he explodes back with double the violence.
Against someone of Nong-O’s legendary power, his granite chin becomes the ultimate insurance policy.
While the former bantamweight ruler has every tool to win, Rodtang’s ability to walk through punishment might leave the Thai veteran searching for answers throughout this World Title clash at ONE 173.
#4 Nong-O’s World-Class Fight IQ
With 267 victories from 335 fights, Nong-O has seen every style, strategy, and trick. Fighters can unleash hell on him, but he usually makes it look like a piece of cake.
Rodtang’s pressure game might cause a problem or two for the living legend, but it isn’t unique. He has fought guys with iron chins and found ways to break them down like a wrecking ball.
This is where experience becomes a weapon.
While Rodtang’s age will give him more energy, the Bangkok-based athlete’s veteran IQ allows him to see patterns instantly.
He will recognize when “The Iron Man” over-commits on his entries. He’ll time the moments when his foe drops his guard during combinations and exploit openings that only someone with nearly three decades of fighting wisdom can identify.
Nong-O doesn’t need to out-work Rodtang — he needs to out-smart him. If he stays calm under pressure and makes his Thai counterpart pay for every aggressive entry, fans in Japan and the millions watching from around the world could be in for a treat at ONE 173.
