When ONE Championship touches down in Colorado for its historic sold-out debut on United States soil, it will showcase many of the organization’s most popular martial arts athletes.
Among the stars competing at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Prime Video is longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon, who’s set to defend his gold against Mexican scrapper Edgar Tabares in a highly anticipated co-main event.
Already beloved across Asia and quickly becoming a global superstar, the 25-year-old Thai striker is aiming to put on another unforgettable performance and win over American fans in the process.
Here are five reasons why the fighter known as “The Iron Man” could become an even bigger name in the United States on May 5.
#1 His Unmatched Showmanship
Across his 14 thrilling bouts in ONE, Rodtang has proven to be a consummate entertainer, always embracing the theatrical side of combat sports.
Whether he’s making faces at his opponent, shaking off punches like they were nothing, or just generally playing to the crowd, the Jitmuangnon Gym representative is just as much a performer as a top pound-for-pound striker.
Rodtang’s unique charisma and inclination for showmanship have made him a fan favorite, and he’s sure to endear himself to those in attendance at 1stBank Center with more of the same.
#2 He Lives Up To His Nickname
Undefeated in 13 all-striking fights in ONE, the flyweight Muay Thai king has gone toe-to-toe with a number of the planet’s most dangerous knockout artists – and eaten their best shots like pieces of candy.
Rodtang’s chin is truly legendary. Proving that he deserves “The Iron Man” moniker, he loves to egg on his opponents and show them that their power has no effect on him.
Moreover, the Thai phenom is all-in on his superhero identity, even walking to the Circle wearing an Iron Man helmet.
#3 His Endlessly Aggressive Approach To Fighting
Much more than just a competitor with a granite chin, Rodtang is also one of the most offensively potent strikers ever seen in Muay Thai.
Simply put, Americans will love his ultra-aggressive, forward-moving style of combat.
The five-time ONE World Champion doesn’t sit back and let his rivals come to him, choosing instead to march straight into a firefight and ensure that each and every one of his bouts produces fireworks from start to finish.
#4 He Never Backs Down From A Challenge
In true American spirit, Rodtang isn’t afraid to take big risks in the pursuit of greatness.
Along with the flyweight Muay Thai crown that he first captured in 2019, the 25-year-old is now gunning for two-sport gold and a shot at ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.
To that end, he’s already won a pair of electrifying kickboxing bouts in ONE, establishing himself as the division’s #1-ranked contender.
And in the ultimate show of fearlessness, “The Iron Man” took on MMA GOAT Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in a mixed-rules super-fight last year, suffering his only loss in ONE after putting up a valiant effort against the legend.
#5 He Exudes Style
Consistent with his ever-present showmanship, Rodtang loves to showcase his style – both inside and outside the Circle.
From his flamboyant, eye-catching wardrobes to his ever-changing and colorful hairstyles, the Thai megastar understands the power of aesthetics to win over fans.
Even away from competition, Rodtang dresses to impress, proud to show off the finest threads when he’s not battling world-class strikers in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
