Rodtang Knocks Out Sok Thy, Secures ONE World Title Shot

Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon earned a shot at the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship on Friday, 10 May.

He thrilled his hometown crowd at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand with a dominant victory at ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT.

The Thai superstar defeated Cambodia’s Sok Thy via second-round TKO in their ONE Super Series Muay Thai flyweight encounter, and following the fast-paced and explosive match-up, he was granted a crack at Jonathan “The General” Haggerty’s belt.

Rodtang’s first strikes were a clear insight into his game plan, as he peppered Sok Thy with kicks to the inside and outside of his lead leg.

The 21-year-old Bangkok native pressed his Cambodian rival to the fence and offered no escape by cutting him off with punches. He followed them up with powerful attacks to the lead thigh.

Sok Thy, a Kun Khmer Flyweight World Champion, tried to keep “The Iron Man” off with punches and push kicks, but Rodtang would not be deterred. He stepped back into range every time, and dialed up the power of his output with every combination.

The damage was evident as the round wore on.

With just seconds remaining in the stanza, more attacks to the lead leg caused Sok Thy to limp, and the two-time Omnoi Stadium Muay Thai World Champion went on a rampage with hooks and low kicks, which dropped his foe to the canvas.

The Cambodian Top Team representative valiantly stood back up and somehow, he saw out the frame to take a much-needed respite in his corner.

Rodtang’s agenda was clear as he ran out to start round two. The Thai knew his adversary was vulnerable, and he relentlessly set out to finish him.

The Jitmuangnon Gym representative scored with jabs and left hooks to set up his low kicks, and each attack weakened his rival substantially. 

Sok Thy showed huge resilience to stay on his feet, but his opponent would not back down.

Rodtang kept up his assault with left hooks to the body and punishing shots to the leg.

A final salvo of low kicks dropped the Cambodian Top Team product, which caused the referee to wave off the bout at 1:36 of round two.

“The Iron Man” picked up his first stoppage win in the world’s largest martial arts organization, and he pushed his incredible record to 256-41-10.

Speaking to Mitch Chilson following his victory, Rodtang called for support in a World Title challenge against Haggerty.

“It was always my dream that one day I would fight for the World Title,” he said. “Right now, I know that my dream is coming true very soon.”

Outside the Circle, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong gave the thumbs up to confirm the next battle for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in the near future.