Sidekick Boxing

Rodtang Jitmuangnon Signs Back On To ONE Championship To Finish What He Started

One Championship Writer — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:41:29 +0000

Few reigns in Muay Thai history burned as bright as his. Now, the man who built it wants to finish the story on his own terms.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon has officially re-signed with ONE Championship, ending speculation about his future and setting up a push to reclaim the throne he lost last year. The announcement came at a press conference held at Jitmuangnon Gym in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on July 23, coinciding with his birthday.

Rodtang made his high-profile promotional debut in 2018, immediately announcing himself as a force the flyweight Muay Thai division had never seen before. Four consecutive victories later, he earned his shot at Haggerty and outclassed the British star to claim the gold in 2019.

The former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion built the greatest reign the division has ever seen from there. He defended the belt time and again, turning arenas across the globe into stages for a relentless, crowd-thrilling style few could match.

That reign ended abruptly in 2024, when Rodtang was stripped of the title after failing to make weight and pass hydration testing ahead of a scheduled defense against Jacob Smith. It was a painful end to a historic run, but what followed reminded everyone why his star still burns brighter than almost anyone else’s.

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He answered by demolishing Takeru Segawa in 80 seconds at ONE 172 in March 2025, a statement that underlined his striking skill in kickboxing as well as Muay Thai. Segawa turned the tables at ONE SAMURAI 1 earlier this year, stopping Rodtang in the fifth round to claim the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title in what was Rodtang’s last fight before his return to the promotion.

The press conference brought together Rodtang’s manager Sorapong Jitsuntorn, ONE Championship Thailand President Jitinat Asdamongkol, and gym owners Somjit Waenkaew and Suntaree Lohaphak, underscoring the scale of his return. Rodtang made clear exactly why he keeps coming back.

“I don’t think any other career could have given me the recognition and ability to provide for my family the way being a fighter has,” Rodtang said.

“I’ll keep giving it my all until I no longer have the strength to fight.”

The post Rodtang Jitmuangnon Signs Back On To ONE Championship To Finish What He Started first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Aliff Sor Dechapan Refuses To Underestimate The Legend In His Path

One Championship Writer — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:38:44 +0000

Respect and ambition do not often share the same sentence in combat sports. Aliff Sor Dechapan carries both into the biggest fight of his life.

The Thai-Malaysian contender meets multi-time ONE World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship at The Inner Circle 23 on Friday, July 24. The card streams live from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

Every outing inside the world’s largest martial arts organization has sharpened a different part of Aliff’s game on his march toward gold. Standing across from a fighter of Sam-A’s stature only sharpens his sense that this moment has been years in the making.

“Every time I enter the ring, I improve as a fighter. In my last fight against Ramadan [Ondash], my strategy was purely focused on winning because my goal is to fight for the World Title,” Aliff said.

“Now, getting to fight Sam-A has made me excited. He is so skilled, which gives me extra motivation and drives me to train even harder. Sam-A is great, but this is now my era.”

That belief has been built on a five-bout winning streak, one that has carried the Kuala Lumpur-based fighter across 11 outings since his promotional debut in April 2023. The weight of an entire nation’s hopes rests on his shoulders, but he insists it only sharpens his focus.

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“I’ve received overwhelming support from Malaysian fans because everyone wants to see a Malaysian become a World Champion. But I don’t feel pressured. Instead, it makes me want to capture the title even more,” Aliff said.

“I’m curious to see how much my life will change if I succeed, but before getting there, my sole duty is to perform at my absolute best and bring this belt home.”

That same drive extends to how he views the man across from him. At 42 years old, Sam-A continues to defy Father Time, riding a three-bout winning streak of his own into Friday’s clash, and Aliff has done his homework on the veteran’s game.

“I’m 80 to 90 percent confident that I’ll have the opportunity to finish the fight. Previously, I fought more strategically to secure the win,” Aliff said.

“But for this fight, I’m going to unleash the aggressive style that fans saw during my early days in ONE.”

The post Aliff Sor Dechapan Refuses To Underestimate The Legend In His Path first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Rallies A Nation Behind Aliff Sor Dechapan

One Championship Writer — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:35:44 +0000

A nation’s hopes now rest on the shoulders of a 22-year-old fighting for something far bigger than a belt. Even the country’s Prime Minister has taken notice.

Aliff Sor Dechapan meets Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship in the main event of The Inner Circle 23 on Friday, July 24. The card streams live from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium in Asia primetime.

A win would make Aliff the first Malaysian in history to claim a ONE World Championship, a milestone that has drawn public support from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. It is not the first time Anwar has thrown his weight behind the country’s combat sports scene.

The Prime Minister welcomed teenage knockout artist Johan Ghazali to his office in Putrajaya last October, a meeting that underlined his growing interest in Malaysian fighters. That same support now extends to Aliff, who stands one win away from delivering the nation its first ONE gold.

Anwar took to Instagram to voice his support publicly, urging fellow Malaysians to tune in for what he called a landmark sporting moment.

“Let us rally behind Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib as he competes for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship title this Friday,” Anwar wrote.

“Aliff Rakib has made history as the first Malaysian combat athlete to qualify for a shot at this title. May he continue to bring glory to Malaysia and inspire the younger generation to achieve success on a global stage.”

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Aliff carries a five-bout winning streak into Friday’s assignment, a run that includes the 62nd victory of his career over Ramadan Ondash at ONE Fight Night 38 this past December. It marked his ninth win since debuting for the promotion in April 2023.

The Kuala Lumpur-based fighter has made clear that his motivation extends well beyond his own name.

“I am not fighting for myself alone. I am fighting for my country. I have one dream – to bring the belt home and make history,” Aliff said.

“I hope for the prayers and support of the entire nation. God willing, I will give my all to become the first fighter to bring that championship home for my country.”

The post Malaysia’s Prime Minister Rallies A Nation Behind Aliff Sor Dechapan first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Ryujin Nasukawa Steps Out From His Brother’s Shadow At The Inner Circle 23

One Championship Writer — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:32:53 +0000

Being the younger brother of a 42-0 legend comes with an obvious problem. Ryujin Nasukawa has decided the solution is simply to become a legend of his own.

The 20-year-old makes his highly anticipated promotional debut against Thongpoon PK Saenchai in a strawweight kickboxing showdown at The Inner Circle 23 on Friday, July 24, streaming live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

His older brother Tenshin retired from kickboxing with a flawless record that made him one of Japan’s greatest strikers. That shadow only grew heavier this past April, when fellow Japanese icon Takeru Segawa retired at ONE SAMURAI 1 after claiming interim flyweight kickboxing gold.

“I was glad to see Takeru finally get rewarded for everything he has done. Tenshin and Takeru were the two leading figures who carried an era of kickboxing.”

Watching that chapter close only sharpened his belief that the torch is now his to carry, on his own terms rather than as an echo of what came before.

“The era of kickboxing built by Tenshin and Takeru has come to an end, and I believe I am the one who will lead the next era. Unlike Tenshin, I think my style is more about taking the initiative and moving forward.”

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A two-division RISE Champion with an 18-3 record, Ryujin is eager to bounce back from a defeat this past June that snapped a 14-fight winning streak. Several of his Team TEPPEN stablemates have already tasted success in ONE Championship, including 21-year-old Ranma, who carries a 3-0 promotional run, and 24-year-old Yuto Hirayama, who scored a knockout in his own debut at The Inner Circle 16 this past May.

He has no interest in leaving his promotional bow in the judges’ hands.

“I would want to go for the knockout to show why I am at the center of kickboxing. That is the kind of performance I want to deliver in my debut.”

He sees the frequency of ONE Championship’s weekly cards as the ideal launchpad for the run he has planned.

“We have a large number of professional fighters, and because ONE Friday Fights and The Inner Circle are held every Friday, it has greatly increased the number of opportunities available. It is a great platform for fighters to gain valuable experience and compete.”

The post Ryujin Nasukawa Steps Out From His Brother’s Shadow At The Inner Circle 23 first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Tawanchai Explains Why He Chose To Let Go Of His Featherweight Throne

One Championship Writer — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:29:34 +0000

No one forced Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s hand. That is exactly the point he wanted fans to understand.

The former ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion officially vacated his title on Tuesday, July 21, clearing the path for interim titleholder Nico Carrillo to be elevated to undisputed champion of the division.

The 27-year-old has been sidelined since December 2025 following surgery and an extended rehabilitation process, but he made clear the decision was about more than a recovery timeline.

“Throughout my reign as champion, I felt so happy and honored to defend my belt in front of fans all over the world. Every athlete dreams of holding onto their title for as long as possible, and I’m no exception.”

Reflecting further, he explained the choice came entirely on his own terms rather than under any outside pressure.

“I thought this through carefully and realized this is the right path so the organization can keep moving forward. I want to see other fighters get their shot, and I want the fans to stay happy watching the new generation compete.”

He also thanked those who supported him throughout his championship reign, from his gym owner to the fans who cheered him on night after night.

Tawanchai has largely stayed out of the spotlight since suffering the injury, letting his recovery play out away from constant public scrutiny. This marked one of his first real updates on where things currently stand.

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“I wanted to give you all an update on my condition, as I haven’t really done a proper interview since getting injured. I’m currently back to about 70 to 80 percent. I expect to make my return pretty soon, likely early next year.”

For all the finality of the announcement, Tawanchai insists his story with the division is far from finished. Muay Thai remains his firm priority once he returns.

“I am 100 percent sticking with Muay Thai for sure. As for kickboxing, I still have that dream. I still have unfinished business with that belt.”

Whatever discipline comes first, he made clear there are no hard feelings toward the man now wearing his old crown.

“Congratulations to them. I’m truly happy for them to chase their dream. We will definitely cross paths in the ring.”

The post Tawanchai Explains Why He Chose To Let Go Of His Featherweight Throne first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao Turns Age Into His Greatest Weapon Ahead Of The Inner Circle 23

One Championship Writer — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:26:39 +0000

Conventional wisdom says fighters grow cautious with age. Sam-A Gaiyanghadao has spent his forties proving the opposite.

The 42-year-old Muay Thai legend challenges 22-year-old Aliff Sor Dechapan for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle 23 on Friday, July 24, streaming live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

More than three decades and 400 professional bouts into his career, the former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion insists his later years have unlocked a bolder, more fearless version of himself.

“I think my fighting style has changed in my forties. I have become more aggressive and stronger. It feels as though I am no longer afraid of my opponent’s strikes. If I get hit, I get hit. If we have to trade, then we trade. That is simply how I fight now.”

That willingness to exchange comes paired with a calmer mind rather than recklessness.

“When I was younger, I fought in a completely different way. But after turning 40, I felt calmer inside. My heart is calmer, and I can keep pushing myself throughout the fight.”

The evolution has not silenced his critics. For two years, online commentary has questioned his age and predicted his decline, intensifying after a knockout loss to reigning champion Prajanchai PongSuphan PK left him weighing his future.

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“After that loss, a small thought crossed my mind. Maybe my body just couldn’t take it anymore. I talked to my wife about it, but she gave me so much encouragement.”

Her words pulled him back from the brink, and he has answered every doubter since with wins over Zhang Peimian and Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi, along with a stunning walk-off knockout of Elmehdi El Jamari in his most recent outing.

Now one win away from reclaiming ONE Championship gold, Sam-A sees a chance to prove something bigger than his own resilience.

“I could also become an inspiration to older people, encouraging them to continue fighting and not give up simply because of their age.”

The post Sam-A Gaiyanghadao Turns Age Into His Greatest Weapon Ahead Of The Inner Circle 23 first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Daniel Knight’s Past Advice to Andrew Tate Resurfaces After Latest Arrest Of Tate Brothers

Shivam Khatwani — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:20:58 +0000

Andrew Tate’s latest arrest in Miami has once again placed the controversial influencer at the center of global attention. U.S. Marshals arrested both Andrew and Tristan Tate as British authorities continue seeking their extradition over criminal charges linked to alleged offences that took place between 2010 and 2017. The brothers deny all allegations.

The timing of the arrest has also brought renewed attention to comments previously made by Sidekick Boxing founder Daniel Knight, who sponsored Andrew Tate during his kickboxing career and remained close to both brothers for years.

Speaking about Tate’s legal troubles during his Romanian house arrest, Knight revealed that he had warned Andrew about the financial risks of prolonged legal battles.

“I’ve had a sort of a little bit of a legal situation myself… but be careful trusting your own lawyers. He was like, ‘What do you mean?’ and I sort of said basically the longer this case goes on, he’s a wealthy man. I said, the longer this case goes on the more that they’re going to be rinsing the money for themselves.”

At the time, Knight’s advice was directed at the Romanian legal proceedings. However, years later, Tate now finds himself facing another major legal battle this time in the United States as the UK seeks his extradition.

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According to British prosecutors, the latest case is based on alleged offences committed between 2010 and 2017. Those years overlap with the period when Daniel Knight’s Sidekick Boxing sponsored Andrew Tate during his successful kickboxing career, long before Tate became one of the world’s most controversial internet personalities.

Knight has previously spoken about knowing the Tate brothers from their early years in kickboxing and has described Andrew as someone who always had ambitions of becoming wealthy and famous. Despite remaining supportive of his former friend, Knight has also openly discussed the challenges surrounding Tate’s legal battles and the impact they can have financially.

Now, with Andrew and Tristan Tate arrested once again and fighting extradition to the United Kingdom, Knight’s old warning about lengthy legal proceedings has resurfaced. Whether the cases ultimately end in conviction or acquittal remains for the courts to decide, but the Sidekick Boxing founder’s comments have gained fresh relevance as Tate prepares for yet another prolonged legal fight.

The post Daniel Knight’s Past Advice to Andrew Tate Resurfaces After Latest Arrest Of Tate Brothers first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Anastasia Nikolakakos Survives Absolute Fire To Stay Perfect Against Jihin Radzuan

One Championship Writer — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:02:35 +0000

A perfect record can feel heavier than an unbeaten one, and on Friday night in Bangkok, Anastasia Nikolakakos carried every pound of that pressure.

The surging Canadian improved to 7-0 with a hard-fought split-decision win over Jihin Radzuan in a high-stakes atomweight MMA showdown at ONE Fight Night 45 on Friday, July 17, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Gracie Humaita Bolton representative arrived at this sophomore U.S. primetime outing off a blistering first-round knockout of Victoria Souza this past March, fully prepared for another grueling test. Friday demanded far more from her than that debut had.

Nikolakakos dictated the pace early, relying on her elite ground game to control the fight and drag the 27-year-old Malaysian star into deep waters.

Jihin answered in round two, finding her rhythm on the feet and working effectively from the clinch to level the contest. It all came down to a decisive final five minutes.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt leaned on her superior takedowns down the stretch, doing just enough to edge out the judges’ scorecards.

“We were prepared everywhere. There are always things that you want to improve on during a fight, things you want to do more, wish that you did, but all in all, I’m very blessed, I’m very grateful, and I’m happy with the outcome.”

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Given how closely contested the fight was, Nikolakakos remained her own toughest critic when grading the performance.

“I felt that I won unanimously. But when they said split decision, I think it was just from maybe my eye being puffy. As for my performance, I’d give myself a seven out of ten.”

That same honesty extended to how she assessed her opponent, whose relentless stand-up pressure never once caught her off guard once the bell sounded.

With two promotional wins now banked and a flawless record fully intact, her sights are set firmly on the vacant ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship.

“I believe I’m next in line, and whoever it is, I will try my best to get that belt.”

The post Anastasia Nikolakakos Survives Absolute Fire To Stay Perfect Against Jihin Radzuan first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Jonathan Di Bella Wants New Blood After Closing The Book On Zhang Peimian

One Championship Writer — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:58:55 +0000

Some fighters silence critics with their fists. Jonathan Di Bella prefers doing it with a scoreboard.

The ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion defended his title against Zhang Peimian in a five-round rematch at The Inner Circle 22, held Friday, July 17, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The win pushed his head-to-head record against Zhang to 2-0, matching their first encounter four years earlier, a result many observers had chalked up to fortune rather than skill.

“The victory felt good. Our first fight was a close match, and this fight was a close match as well. From the first fight, everybody was saying he was lucky. So I proved him wrong tonight.”

Di Bella revealed he made a deliberate choice mid-fight to trade caution for spectacle.

“I knew he was gonna come out strong. But I just stayed smart. However, I decided to go for a brawl to give the fans a show. I wanted to give fans an entertaining fight.”

Asked to pinpoint the moment the fight tilted his way, the champion admitted even he was not entirely certain.

“I think it was the fifth round where I hurt him the most. I dropped him, threw his mouthpiece out, and I saw his face change. But I still don’t know what round it was. All I know was that he came to fight, so he’s always gonna give trouble.”

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With the rivalry settled twice over, Di Bella has no appetite for a third chapter. His attention has shifted toward Japan’s growing wave of championship talent, and he is even open to a unification bid at flyweight against Superlek.

“I want to fight some Japanese champions, and if I get an opportunity to go up in division, I’ll take it. It’s a risky move for me, but I will do it. In this sport, you gotta take risks.”

The win capped an already memorable stretch for the lifelong New York Knicks fan, who watched his team capture its first NBA Championship in 53 years a month earlier. Should the flyweight opportunity materialize, Di Bella has no interest in working his way up the rankings first.

“I see the champion, and I want the champion. If I go to flyweight, Superlek’s the champ. I haven’t seen him fight in flyweight in a long time, but of course, that would be a good fight.”

The post Jonathan Di Bella Wants New Blood After Closing The Book On Zhang Peimian first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Nico Carrillo Rises To Undisputed Featherweight Muay Thai Throne As Tawanchai Steps Aside

One Championship Writer — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:55:27 +0000

A changing of the guard rarely happens without a fight, but this one arrived with a signature instead.

Tawanchai PK Saenchai has officially vacated his ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title while he continues to rehabilitate an injury. Scottish knockout artist Nico Carrillo has been elevated from interim titleholder to undisputed champion of the division as a result.

Tawanchai’s reign was defined by dominance rarely seen in the sport. The 27-year-old claimed the crown at ONE 161 in 2022 with a five-round war over Petchmorakot, then defended it against Jamal Yusupov and twice against Superbon.

He also beat Jo Nattawut in two different sports along the way, building a 10-3 ONE record that cemented his legacy as one of the most stylistic and ruthless strikers the promotion has produced. Few champions have defended a belt with that level of range and consistency.

The reign came to an abrupt halt in December 2025. A calf kick from Liu Mengyang ended a kickboxing bout in a shocking 52 seconds and left Tawanchai needing surgery and an extended rehabilitation period, forcing him to step away from the title he had defined for nearly four years.

Carrillo, meanwhile, earned his opportunity the hard way. The 27-year-old carried a 29-4 record and a relentless finishing instinct into his interim title shot against Shadow Mavinn at ONE Fight Night 40 earlier this year, outworking his opponent across the distance to claim the belt and cement his place at the top of the division.

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He is now the division’s undisputed king, but the newly crowned champion has no plans to sit still with his gold. Carrillo makes his ONE kickboxing debut against Zhou Jiaqiang at ONE Fight Night 46 on Friday, August 14, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The move signals genuine ambition rather than a simple showcase. Success there would place him firmly on course to join the exclusive club of two-sport ONE World Champions, adding kickboxing gold to a resume already built on featherweight Muay Thai supremacy.

It is a bold step for a fighter who has barely had time to celebrate his elevation, but Carrillo has never been one to wait for opportunities when he can chase them instead.

The post Nico Carrillo Rises To Undisputed Featherweight Muay Thai Throne As Tawanchai Steps Aside first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.