‘I Can See The Finish Line’ – Rodtang Expects To Beat Jiduo, Challenge For Kickboxing World Title Next
Rodtang Jitmuangnon is ready to resume his charge toward the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov.
With his original opponent, Daniel Puertas, stepping into a World Title clash against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the evening’s co-main event on Prime Video, Rodtang’s kickboxing return will now come against Chinese phenom Jiduo Yibu this Friday, January 13.
The reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion was deep into his preparation for Puertas, and Jiduo presents a very different skill set.
However, “The Iron Man” has consistently proven himself against every type of opponent – with a 12-0 record under ONE’s all-striking rule sets – and he isn’t worried about handling this last-minute switch in Bangkok.
Rodtang said:
“I have to admit, I had done my homework with my original opponent, and I have limited time to study a new one. It’s a little bit of a struggle for me, but it is not a big deal.
“Daniel, my previous opponent, has an orthodox style, but the new one is a southpaw. It will be completely different. I have to change my game plan to walk toward him instead.
“Anyway, I have a lot of history fighting against southpaws, so I have no problem with it.”
Jiduo’s lone ONE appearance actually came against Puertas, as the pair engaged in a three-round war that saw both men engage in the pocket.
The Spaniard took the win by split decision, but Rodtang saw plenty of positives from “The Eagle of Yi.”
With that in mind, the Thai megastar expects a tough challenge from his durable Chinese foe, while he will look to find a weakness once they’re locked inside the Circle.
He said:
“Jiduo’s strength is that he doesn’t say no to fighting toe-to-toe. I watched his videos and I admit that he is a dangerous opponent. He is bold and tough. He can absorb a lot of attacks.
“As far as I have studied him, I still can’t find his weakness. But I think he may have a weak stomach because, in his fight with Daniel, Daniel only hit him in the face, not the stomach. I don’t know what will happen if he got hit in the liver, and I’d like to try.
“I have to lure him to walk toward me so I can fight with him more easily.“
Rodtang: I Deserve Shot At Puertas Or Superlek
With Ilias Ennahachi vacating the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title, Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Daniel Puertas are set to clash for the vacant crown at ONE Fight Night 6.
Of course, Rodtang Jitmuangnon will be watching their matchup closely.
“The Iron Man” holds the top contender spot in the division, and he thinks an impressive victory over Jiduo Yibu would all but solidify a World Title shot in the near future.
“The Iron Man” said:
“I am more than ready [to fight for the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title if I win] because it is not the first time I have fought in kickboxing. And I’m the #1-ranked contender. So, I think I have the right to challenge for kickboxing gold with either Superlek or Daniel.”
Rodtang must first take care of business this Friday, but he’ll have the support of a cheering crowd at home in Thailand and plenty of momentum from his incredible run in ONE’s all-striking ranks.
If he does get his hand raised once again, the 25-year-old will be gunning for the winner of Superlek vs. Puertas as he aims to become a rare two-sport World Champion in the organization.
The Thai added:
“I am confident and determined. I’ll try my best to reach my goal. I can see the finish line appearing around my next corner.
“I’ll wait and see who claims this belt, and I’m going to claim it for myself next time out.”
