Rodtang praises Nong-O’s discipline ahead of Grand Prix quarterfinal
Nong-O Hama turns 40 just days before his most anticipated fight in years. His opponent insists that number means nothing.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon faces Nong-O in a ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinal in the main event of The Inner Circle 38 on Friday, November 13. The bout streams live in Asia primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The pair were first booked for ONE 173 last November before Rodtang fell ill after passing the official weight and hydration checks.
Rodtang, 29, built his reputation on relentless pressure and heavy combinations. Nong-O, the former longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, relies on patience, vision, and precision.
Rodtang sees no sign of decline in his opponent.
“I believe age is just a number in professional sports. If you maintain discipline, keep training hard, and don’t let yourself go, age doesn’t matter,” Rodtang said.
“Look at Nong-O. He is the definition of ultimate discipline. Every fighter should take him as an example. He trains constantly and never lets himself get out of shape. No matter what year it is, his physique stays the exact same. No fat, no extra weight. He is absolute perfection when it comes to discipline.”
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Rodtang Jitmuangnon embraces the Grand Prix challenge
The winner advances to face Shimon Yoshinari or Ramadan Ondash, who open ONE Friday Fights 178 that same night. The tournament champion claims the silver belt and the undisputed ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
Rodtang held the flyweight crown for five years and sees the format as the perfect route back.
“It’s a tournament format that makes sense, and it comes with a special silver belt that belongs exclusively to you, one that no one can strip away. It proves that even if you aren’t the main champion, winning this tournament means you are the best among everyone in this division because you had to get through all the top-ranked contenders,” Rodtang said.
“It’s the ultimate test for this comeback. We can’t pick and choose opponents anymore, and we can’t overlook anyone. Among those 8 fighters, you have to prove you’re the absolute best in the rankings. You can’t take anyone lightly.”
READ MORE: Jonathan Di Bella Backs Rodtang In Grand Prix Quarterfinal Against Nong-O
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