‘Prepared To Bang’ – Nong-O Ready To Crack Rodtang’s Iron Armor In Grand Prix Clash At The Inner Circle 38
Former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama is relishing the opportunity to share the ring with Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, and he is promising an all-out war when they meet at The Inner Circle 38.
The Thai megastars collide in a quarterfinal bout of the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix, which takes place at Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, November 13. Members of The Inner Circle can watch the entire Asia primetime spectacle at live.onefc.com.
Few fixtures boast quite as much star power. Between them, they share a combined 542 career victories and enjoyed remarkable success on the global stage.
Nong-O enters this marquee matchup as the #3-ranked divisional contender, while the former longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion now finds himself at the #2-ranked spot.
At 40, Nong-O knows he is sharing the tournament with some of the division’s finest, but he has no intention of making up the numbers. Being selected among the elite eight is a source of pride, and he believes he still has plenty to offer.
He told onefc.com:
“I feel truly honored. Being selected as one of the eight fighters means the promotion must still see something special in me. They probably view me as a former champion who still brings veteran dexterity to the table, and someone who can draw crowds and hype up fight fans.”
Now, the Grand Prix offers the decorated Thai veteran more than a shot at the prestigious silver strap and ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title. It also gives him another chance to face Rodtang after their scheduled meeting at ONE 173 in November 2025 fell through.
Perhaps good things really do come to those who wait, and with even more at stake this time, Nong-O is eager to turn past disappointment into fuel.
The Evolve MMA and Superbon Training Camp representative said:
“The bout fell through because I failed my hydration test, while Rodtang suddenly fell ill with muscle cramps. It was really disappointing at the time because I was eager to fight overseas and showcase our art to an international audience.
“But it’s all good – since it didn’t happen back then, meeting in this fight feels like the perfect comeback.”
With their paths set to cross at The Inner Circle 38, Nong-O is determined to make this long-awaited encounter one for the ages.
A coveted semifinal berth is on the line, and the 40-year-old technician is eager to showcase the full extent of his world-class arsenal against one of the sport’s most explosive strikers.
He wants to bring the heat from the opening bell and serve up a high-octane slugfest that will have fans inside the mecca of Muay Thai and those watching around the world on the edge of their seats.
Nong-O said:
“To Rodtang, since this is a tournament fight, let’s give the fans an absolute war. We’re brothers before and after the fight, but once we step inside that ring, we can lay it all on the line and hold nothing back.”
Nong-O Unfazed By Rodtang’s Fearsome Reputation
Having shared the spotlight with some of Muay Thai’s biggest names, Nong-O Hama knows exactly what separates an elite warrior from a global superstar.
It is a distinction he acknowledges in Rodtang Jitmuangnon, whose remarkable rise he has followed closely and whose achievements have earned his admiration.
The eight-time ONE World Champion said:
“Rodtang’s biggest strength is his wild, aggressive fighting style. I love watching him fight – it’s thrilling, action-packed, and super satisfying to watch.
“He has incredible toughness, relentless pressure, and devastating punch power. That exciting style is exactly what makes foreign fans love him.”
Though he knows “The Iron Man” will be a tough nut to crack, he is not here to admire his compatriot’s armor.
A semifinal showdown against the winner of Shimon Yoshinari and Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash also beckons, making victory all the more valuable. But unraveling Rodtang’s game is no straightforward task, and he knows he will need to be sharp, patient, and adaptable to find the answers.
Nong-O said:
“I have studied him. But when it comes to the specific openings to exploit, I’d have to solve the puzzle step-by-step, adjusting as [the fight] unfolds.
“Rodtang is definitely going to come out aggressive because he’s younger and will try to press the veteran. But as a veteran, I’m certainly not backing down easily either. I’m fully prepared to bang with him.”
