‘My Heart Is Stronger Than Steel’ – Rodtang Vows To Spoil Takeru’s Farewell Fight At ONE SAMURAI 1
Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon plans to deliver a peak performance when he faces Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title. The highly anticipated rematch headlines ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29 inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The Thai megastar returns to the global stage against one of the most accomplished strikers of his generation, a former three-division K-1 Champion who has long stood as one of Japan’s greatest combat sports icons.
Their first encounter at ONE 172 in March 2025 ended in just 80 seconds, when Rodtang stopped his opponent with a left hook. Takeru rebounded with a TKO over Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric at ONE 173 last November to earn the rematch. He has since announced this will be his retirement bout.
Chosen by Takeru for that defining moment, Rodtang now carries both the responsibility of the moment and the expectation to deliver:
“This fight is the most important fight yet, not because of an interim belt, but because it’s his last fight. And he chose me. He probably really respects me. And I’m happy to be a part of his fight journey. On his last day, he hand-picked me as his opponent.
“I am very honored, and I truly appreciate how much he respects me. I am confident that it is going to be entertaining that evening. Everyone will be proud of him. Even if he loses.”
For Rodtang, the bout represents a collision between ambition and legacy. While capturing another ONE World Title remains the goal, facing a rival in his farewell appearance adds unique kind of pressure.
But that respect does not alter the reality of competition. As far as Rodtang is concerned, he’s taking on a dangerous and proven rival.
“The Iron Man” offered:
“No doubt, everyone can talk themselves great in the interviews. They can say or do anything to make people believe that they would do this and that on the big day. I believe that Takeru cannot take me for granted, as much as I cannot take him for granted.
“In our first fight, even though I beat him, I still cannot take him for granted. But believe me, my heart is stronger than steel. There’s no easy way to take me down.”
Behind that confidence stands an athlete who continues to refine his skills. As the former multiple-time ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, Rodtang built his reputation through forward pressure, durability, and a willingness to trade strikes.
Across his 17-2 run in the world’s largest martial arts organization and a 274-43 overall record, the Thai megastar has established himself as a premier practitioner of Muay Thai. Now, he seeks to conquer a second sport.
The Bangkok native said:
“At one point, I dreamed about winning the World Championship. I already got it. And when I lost it, I feel like I have succeeded in a way. People lose things. I only want the audience to like me the way I am. The way that I have nothing. The way I fight.
“But having the belt means a lot. One day at one point, I would like to be remembered as Rodtang, with this fighting style.”
Rodtang Shows Respect For Takeru’s Legendary Career
Rodtang Jitmuangnon will once again step into hostile territory in Tokyo, where Takeru Segawa will compete in front of a passionate home crowd in the final bout of his decorated career at ONE SAMURAI 1.
The Japanese veteran boasts a 45-5 record and titles across three weight classes. Even after suffering a rapid defeat to Rodtang, Takeru refused to fade. He aims to prove he remains a threat in his farewell appearance.
Rodtang recognizes that resilience and the danger that comes with it:
“Takeru’s performance as far as I see, he has been fighting for quite a long time. He is considered the best kickboxer. I am sure he’s the second to none. With his unique fighting style and his fan base, in Japan and all over the world, for me, he is an excellent athlete.
“I have no other words to describe him beside excellent, because he is the best. Now, he has arrived the end of his journey. So, I think everyone should keep respecting him, appreciate him, even in time he stops fighting.”
Those words carry weight coming from a fighter who has already proven himself at the highest level time and time again.
Rodtang’s reign atop the flyweight Muay Thai division established him as one of ONE Championship’s most dominant and recognizable stars, with a string of victories against elite contenders that showcased both his durability and offensive output.
Now, he stands on the verge of adding another major accolade to his resume – a feat that would further solidify his place among the sport’s elite across multiple disciplines.
The 28-year-old said:
“In this upcoming fight, I would like to perform my best. For sure, the only goal in fighting is victory. I want to bring the victory back to my home country. To my Thailand.”
