Rodtang Jitmuangnon Promises To Deliver His Best Against Takeru Segawa At ONE SAMURAI 1
Takeru Segawa had his choice of opponent for the final fight of his career. He chose Rodtang Jitmuangnon. That decision carries its own meaning for the Thai fighter heading into April 29.
Rodtang defends the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title against the retiring Japanese icon in the headline bout of ONE SAMURAI 1, live from Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
Their first meeting at ONE 172 in March 2025 ended in 80 seconds when Rodtang stopped Takeru with a left hook. Takeru earned the rematch with a TKO win over Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric at ONE 173, and has since announced this will be the last fight of his decorated career.
The weight of that context has not been lost on Rodtang.
“This fight is the most important fight yet, not because of an interim belt, but because it’s his last fight. And he chose me,” Rodtang said. “He probably really respects me. And I’m happy to be a part of his fight journey. On his last day, he hand-picked me as his opponent. I am very honored, and I truly appreciate how much he respects me.”
That honor comes with a warning. Rodtang knows Takeru remains dangerous, and the first fight’s rapid finish does not change that assessment.
“In our first fight, even though I beat him, I still cannot take him for granted,” he said. “But believe me, my heart is stronger than steel. There’s no easy way to take me down.”
Rodtang’s admiration for Takeru runs deep. The former three-division K-1 World Champion carries a 45-5 record and a career’s worth of credentials into Ariake Arena, and Rodtang has acknowledged what that means for the sport in Japan and beyond.
“He has been fighting for quite a long time. He is considered the best kickboxer. I am sure he’s second to none,” Rodtang said. “He is the best. Now, he has arrived at the end of his journey. So I think everyone should keep respecting him, appreciate him, even in time he stops fighting.”
Respect for Takeru’s legacy will not soften Rodtang’s ambitions when the bell rings. He carries a 274-43 career record and a 17-2 promotional mark into this bout, and one goal has not changed.
“In this upcoming fight, I would like to perform my best,” he said. “The only goal in fighting is victory. I want to bring the victory back to my home country. To my Thailand.”
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