‘He Is Absolute Perfection’ – Rodtang Braces For Epic Clash With Legendary Nong-O At The Inner Circle 38
For years, Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon admired Nong-O Hama from afar. Now, the former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion must face his legendary compatriot in one of the most anticipated all-Thai showdowns in recent memory.
The two superstars will finally collide in a 2026-2027 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinal at The Inner Circle 38 on Friday, November 13. The action streams live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s fabled Lumpinee Stadium, exclusively for members at live.onefc.com.
Their initial meeting was originally slated for ONE 173 last November, but the bout was unfortunately scrapped after Rodtang fell ill shortly after passing the official weight and hydration tests. Now, an elite eight-man tournament featuring reigning divisional king Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev drastically raises the stakes.
At 29, Rodtang brings the relentless forward pressure that made him a global sensation. Standing across the ring is Nong-O, who turns 40 just three days before their showdown. The former longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion offers a highly calculated, markedly different approach.
Despite their age difference, “The Iron Man” sees no physical decline in his opponent.
Rodtang told onefc.com:
“I believe age is just a number in professional sports. If you maintain discipline, keep training hard, and don’t let yourself go, age doesn’t matter.
“Look at Nong-O. He is the definition of ultimate discipline. Every fighter should take him as an example. He trains constantly and never lets himself get out of shape. No matter what year it is, his physique stays the exact same. No fat, no extra weight. He is absolute perfection when it comes to discipline.”
Rodtang’s trademark forward pressure and heavy combinations have systematically broken down countless opponents. Nong-O presents a stark stylistic contrast built entirely on patience, vision, and surgical precision.
It marks a rare collision between two generational icons who helped define entirely different eras of Muay Thai, with neither man accustomed to playing a supporting role.
He explained:
“Nong-O has everything. He is a true legend of Muay Thai. He was already a massive star even before I started fighting. I remember watching him back at the old Lumpinee Stadium.
“His technical skills are incredible, his kicks are heavy, and he’s extremely hard to beat. I don’t want anyone thinking I’ll walk through Nong-O easily – I never underestimate any opponent. And with Nong-O’s high fight IQ and lifetime of experience, he can read your moves instantly.”
Their deep connection extends far beyond competition. Nong-O was already an established ONE World Champion when Rodtang first joined the promotion, actively looking after the younger fighter during their early trips to Singapore — even cooking for him and taking him out for meals.
Now, their paths inevitably converge at Lumpinee Stadium, where only one man can advance. That reality makes this a uniquely personal test for the younger Thai superstar.
Rodtang recalled:
“There was actually a time when I said I didn’t want to fight Nong-O because I respected him too much. Back then, he was in a different weight division, so I could say that.
“However, my respect and love for him as my big brother will always remain the same. But inside the ring, I’ll give it my absolute all!”
Rodtang Ready To Fight His Way Back To The Flyweight Throne
For Rodtang Jitmuangnon, securing this quarterfinal victory would immediately reopen a direct route to the flyweight Muay Thai throne he proudly held for five years.
The victor will advance to face either Shimon Yoshinari or Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash in the tournament semifinals. The eventual champion will claim both the prestigious silver Grand Prix belt and the undisputed ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title, but only after navigating a treacherous bracket of elite opposition.
“The Iron Man” said:
“It’s a tournament format that makes sense, and it comes with a special silver belt that belongs exclusively to you, one that no one can strip away. It proves that even if you aren’t the main champion, winning this tournament means you are the best among everyone in this division because you had to get through all the top-ranked contenders.
“It’s the ultimate test for this comeback. We can’t pick and choose opponents anymore, and we can’t overlook anyone. Among those 8 fighters, you have to prove you’re the absolute best in the rankings. You can’t take anyone lightly.”
While the Grand Prix offers a clear pathway back to World Title glory, Rodtang’s immediate priority remains making sure every physical detail is perfectly dialed in for his long-awaited first meeting with Nong-O Hama.
With fight night rapidly approaching, the former flyweight Muay Thai king is determined to maximize this monumental opportunity. His revamped preparations reflect that fierce commitment, and he is approaching the final stretch with absolute confidence.
Rodtang said:
“I’ll make weight for sure.
“Because this time I’ve hired a professional nutrition team to handle everything. They manage my diet and stay with me every step of the way. You don’t have to worry, I’ll make weight 100 percent.”
