‘Ready To Beat Everyone’ – Nong-O Vows To Put Brotherhood Aside Against Rodtang In Historic World Grand Prix

Nong-O Hama and Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon share a deep bond forged through years of friendship, mutual respect, and a profound love for “the art of eight limbs.” But sentiment will take a definitive back seat when they finally meet in the main event of The Inner Circle 38.

The Thai striking icons square off in a high-stakes quarterfinal of the 2026-2027 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix, which emanates live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, November 13. Subscribers can catch the blockbuster action exclusively at live.onefc.com.

With an astonishing 542 combined career victories between them, they have enjoyed unprecedented success inside the ring. The #3-ranked Nong-O and #2-ranked Rodtang, both former ONE World Champions, know exactly what it takes to reach the absolute summit of Muay Thai on the global stage.

Yet their relationship extends well beyond championship glory and professional competition. Having crossed paths for years on the Thai circuit, the two specialists have developed a genuine brotherhood that makes their impending collision profoundly compelling.

Nong-O told onefc.com:

“My bond with Rodtang comes from fighting on the same promotion, even before our ONE Championship days, for a long time. We got to know each other personally, and from then on, we’ve played football together, hung out, and shared meals.

“But for me, fighting is strictly business inside the ring. We’ll give it our all in the ring, but once we step out, we’re still brothers. It’s no issue at all. I’m ready to do my duty as a true professional athlete.”

Their long-awaited showdown nearly materialized at ONE 173 in Tokyo in November 2025, where they were scheduled to compete for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.

However, the clash fell through during fight week after the 40-year-old veteran failed his hydration test and “The Iron Man” fell ill. Now, their paths have finally crossed again, with even more on the line.

This time, they will battle for a coveted place in the semifinals and keep their dreams of capturing the divisional gold and the Grand Prix’s prestigious silver strap alive inside the spiritual home of Muay Thai.

For Nong-O, finally sharing the ring with Rodtang on home soil promises to make this a night to remember.

The former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion added:

“The main difference [that will make this fight more memorable] is the atmosphere. Our first fight was supposed to be in Japan, but this one is happening in Thailand.

“The environment will be completely different. In terms of challenge, it’s definitely even higher now. Fighting in Thailand, I have my fans, and Rodtang has his. It’s going to be an absolute blast.”

Nong-O Sees Rodtang Showdown As The Ultimate Test

Beating Rodtang Jitmuangnon would mean far more to Nong-O Hama than simply advancing to the semifinals of the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix.

The Evolve MMA and Superbon Training Camp megastar knows that overcoming the former longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion could provide the ultimate tactical confidence boost in his grueling quest to conquer the loaded tournament bracket.

He explained:

“Meeting Rodtang in the first round is actually great. Naturally, if I can beat Rodtang, I’m ready to face anyone in this division. It’s good because I get to test myself against a top-tier, exceptionally tough fighter right off the bat.

“It’ll show me where I stand, and if I win, it will boost my confidence immensely for the rest of the tournament. After all, if I want to be the champion, I have to be ready to beat everyone in my way.”

With so much riding on the final outcome, the eight-time ONE World Champion knows he cannot afford to leave a single detail to chance.

His quest to emerge victorious from a tournament featuring eight of the world’s finest flyweight Muay Thai warriors begins with arguably its toughest possible test, and he operates under no illusions about what awaits him at the subscriber-exclusive spectacle on November 13.

Nong-O shared:

“Rodtang is naturally durable, super tough, hits like a truck, and brings relentless heart to the ring. This fight is the ultimate test. Nothing is impossible. I will always give it my absolute best.”