Sidekick Boxing

Kongthoranee Predicts Rodtang Will Knock Out Nong-O At The Inner Circle 38

Few men alive have studied Nong-O Hama up close the way Kongthoranee Sor Sommai has. After three fights against the Thai legend, he still believes Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon will be the one standing at the end of their Grand Prix showdown.

The three-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion sits outside the bracket of the 2026-2027 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix, but its winner will wear the gold he wants. Rodtang meets Nong-O in the quarterfinals at The Inner Circle 38 on Friday, November 13, at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

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Kongthoranee edged Nong-O by split decision at ONE Fight Night 28 in February 2025. The veteran evened the series that May, then settled their trilogy at The Inner Circle 20 this past June.

Even so, the 29-year-old leans toward the former flyweight king. Youth, variety, and power all factor heavily into his reasoning.

“Personally, I favor Rodtang. He’s younger, has a broader arsenal, and possesses heavy, explosive power,” Kongthoranee said.

“As for Nong-O, his strength is well-known. He’s the ‘Unkillable King.’ But with all due respect, Nong-O is getting up there in age, though he’s still incredibly strong. It’s definitely going to be an exciting, explosive war.”

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This will be Rodtang’s first Muay Thai outing since 2024, after splitting two kickboxing bouts with ONE Hall of Famer Takeru Segawa. Kongthoranee expects the familiar version of “The Iron Man” to return to the art of eight limbs.

He also picks reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Asadula Imangazaliev to beat #1-ranked Aslamjon Ortikov in their title rematch and quarterfinal at The Inner Circle 39 on November 20. Kongthoranee has faced both men and lost to each.

Back on November 13, neither Thai legend has ever built a career on caution. That, in Kongthoranee’s view, makes a decision unlikely.

“The chances of a knockout are definitely higher than going to the scorecards, because neither of them can afford to leave a single opening,” he said.

“I guarantee a knockout. It’ll most likely be Rodtang.”

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