While the fight against Takeru is his immediate focus, Rodtang’s future remains bright. Whether he chooses to reclaim his lost world title or continue testing himself in different striking disciplines, there is no doubt that he will remain a dominant force in combat sports
His fighting style, charisma, and warrior spirit ensure that he will always be a fan favorite.
As the countdown to ONE 172 begins, the world waits to see if Rodtang can once again prove why he is one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain—Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s name will forever be etched in the history of Muay Thai and combat sports.
This fight could go in multiple directions depending on how both fighters execute their game plans. If Rodtang can turn this into a war of attrition and force Takeru into a brawl, he will likely have the upper hand.
However, if Takeru can use his superior movement and technical striking to pick Rodtang apart, he has a great chance of winning on points.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: fans are in for an absolute treat. Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa are two of the best strikers in the world, and when they step into the ring, they will undoubtedly leave everything they have on the canvas.
Also Read: Denis Puric Gears Up for Showdown Against Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 167
Table of Contents
Rodtang Jitmuangnon: From Timid Beginnings to Muay Thai Greatness
The Early Days: A Timid Boy Who Loved Football
Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s journey to Muay Thai greatness began in an unlikely place.1
As a young boy growing up in Thailand, Rodtang had no initial interest in fighting. Instead, he preferred playing football with his friends, dreaming of a future on the pitch rather than in the ring. However, life had other plans for him.
Born into a modest family, financial struggles were a part of daily life. While football brought him joy, it did not offer the means to support his family.
It was then that he realized Muay Thai could be his ticket to a better life. Despite his fears, Rodtang stepped into the ring and never looked back.
The Turning Point: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Muay Thai
In an interview with ONE Championship, Rodtang admitted that fighting was not his first love.
He was initially scared of stepping into the ring, but the lure of providing a better future for his family pushed him forward. His first fights were challenging, but each victory gave him the confidence to continue.
“At that time, I would earn 300 baht (8 USD) per fight. Now I can buy a house for my parents, and I have money to take care of my family. Without Muay Thai, I wouldn’t be here today,” Rodtang shared.
Rodtang’s journey through Thailand’s Muay Thai stadiums was nothing short of extraordinary.
His aggressive style, unrelenting pressure, and powerful strikes earned him a reputation as a relentless warrior. He became a feared competitor, knocking out opponents and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
His performances in Thailand caught the attention of ONE Championship, the world’s biggest martial arts organization.
In September 2018, Rodtang made his debut on the global stage, marking the beginning of his international stardom.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon: Domination in ONE Championship
Rodtang’s arrival in ONE Championship was met with immediate success.2
He rattled off four consecutive victories against Sergio Wielzen, Fahdi Khaled, Hakim Hamech, and Sok Thy, showcasing his elite striking skills and unbreakable will.
Then came his biggest challenge yet: Jonathan Haggerty, the reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion.
Their encounter in August 2019 was an instant classic, a brutal battle of wills that saw Rodtang push forward with his signature aggressive style. After five grueling rounds, he emerged victorious, claiming the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
Rodtang’s story is one of perseverance, courage, and determination. From a timid boy who feared fighting to a world champion who has inspired millions, his journey is a testament to hard work and self-belief.
He has not only achieved greatness in the ring but has also changed his family’s life for the better.
The Reign of ‘The Iron Man’
With the world title strapped around his waist, Rodtang cemented his place as one of the best Muay Thai fighters in history.
Defending his belt multiple times, he established himself as an unstoppable force in the division. His ability to absorb punishment, walk through strikes, and deliver devastating blows made him a nightmare for opponents.
His nickname, ‘The Iron Man,’ became synonymous with his fighting style. Fans marveled at his ability to take heavy shots without flinching, and his aggressive, non-stop pressure made him a must-watch fighter.
Rodtang’s reign as champion lasted for years, solidifying his legacy as a Muay Thai icon.
Beyond his personal achievements, Rodtang serves as an inspiration for aspiring fighters worldwide. His rise from poverty to international stardom proves that with dedication and resilience, anything is possible.
Young fighters look up to him, hoping to emulate his relentless spirit and fearless approach to competition.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon: Losing the Title but Not the Fire
Despite his dominance, 2024 brought an unexpected setback. Ahead of a scheduled title defense against Jacob Smith at ONE 169, Rodtang failed to make weight, leading to him being stripped of his championship.3
Though the title was no longer on the line, Rodtang still stepped into the ring and delivered a masterful performance, defeating Smith via unanimous decision.
Though losing the belt was a disappointment, it did not diminish Rodtang’s status as an elite fighter. His heart, skill, and relentless drive remained unchanged, and he continued to be one of the most dangerous men in Muay Thai.
A Super Fight Against Takeru Segawa
Rodtang’s next challenge is one of the biggest of his career. On March 23, 2025, he will take on Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa in a flyweight kickboxing super fight at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang.
The highly anticipated showdown will take place at the legendary Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
This bout is more than just a fight; it is a meeting of two of the greatest strikers of this generation. Takeru, a three-division K-1 world champion, is known for his speed, precision, and devastating knockout power.
Meanwhile, Rodtang’s aggressive Muay Thai approach and iron chin will make this a battle for the ages.
Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this clash of titans, and tickets for the event are already in high demand.
The fight will be streamed live at watch.onefc.com, ensuring that no one misses out on what promises to be a historic encounter.
Also Read: Rodtang Jitmuangnon Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth And More
Rodtang Jitmuangnon Can’t Wait to Face Off Against Takeru Segawa
Rodtang Jitmuangnon is ready for war. The former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion has been eagerly anticipating his upcoming clash with Japanese kickboxing superstar Takeru Segawa.
Known for his relentless fighting style and iron chin, Rodtang has been vocal about his excitement for the matchup, promising fireworks inside the ring.
Taking to Instagram, Rodtang shared his thoughts:
“One month that I have been waiting, my body is ready to add you [to my victim list]. Thank you to all the fans around the world who have been waiting for my big fight. Let‘s have fun.”
As the bout draws near, fight fans around the world are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most explosive striking battles in recent memory.
Here’s a closer look at why this fight is so highly anticipated and what we can expect when these two warriors collide.
A Clash of Elite Strikers
Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa are two of the most decorated strikers in combat sports today. While both fighters have a background in striking, their styles are vastly different, making this an intriguing matchup.
Rodtang, a Muay Thai specialist, is known for his aggressive, come-forward style, where he willingly takes shots to land his own. He thrives in chaos, using his durability, clinch game, and heavy hands to break opponents down.
His performances in ONE Championship have made him a fan favorite, as he consistently delivers action-packed fights.
On the other hand, Takeru Segawa is a highly technical kickboxer with lightning-fast combinations and devastating power. A three-division K-1 champion, Takeru has dominated the Japanese kickboxing scene for years with his sharp striking, footwork, and fight IQ.
His ability to mix punches and kicks seamlessly makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone who steps in front of him.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon: Path to Redemption
Rodtang’s upcoming bout against Takeru comes at a crucial point in his career.
After losing the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title to Superlek Kiatmoo9 in 2023, Rodtang has been determined to prove that he is still the top striker in the division.
While his loss to Superlek was a hard-fought battle, it reminded fans that even “The Iron Man” is not invincible.
This fight against Takeru gives Rodtang a chance to redeem himself and showcase why he remains one of the most dangerous Muay Thai fighters on the planet.
A victory over Takeru would not only solidify his legacy but also put him back in the conversation for another world title shot in ONE Championship.
For Takeru, this fight represents an opportunity to further establish himself on the international scene. While he has been a dominant force in K-1, this bout against Rodtang will introduce him to a wider audience.
If he can defeat Rodtang, it would be a statement victory that cements his place as one of the best strikers in the world.
This is also a chance for Takeru to silence critics who question how well his kickboxing style will translate against a relentless Muay Thai fighter like Rodtang. His ability to adapt and handle Rodtang’s pressure will be one of the key factors in determining the outcome of the fight.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon: Training Video
Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s training vidoe in Thailand with the Pound-4-Pound best Muay Thai Fighter in the world is now live.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
- Durability: Rodtang has one of the toughest chins in combat sports. He has walked through some of the hardest shots thrown his way, often smiling at his opponents before unloading his own devastating combinations.
- Forward Pressure: Rodtang’s fighting style is built on relentless pressure. He constantly moves forward, overwhelming his opponents with volume and power.
- Clinching Ability: Unlike traditional kickboxers, Rodtang thrives in the clinch. If he can close the distance and impose his Muay Thai techniques, he could control the fight.
Rodtang’s Weaknesses
- Defensive Openings: While his chin has held up against most opponents, Rodtang’s aggressive style leaves him open to counters. A technical striker like Takeru could exploit these openings.
- Kickboxing Ruleset: If the fight takes place under kickboxing rules rather than Muay Thai, Rodtang may be at a slight disadvantage since he won’t be able to use his elbows and full clinch techniques as effectively.
This fight has captured the imagination of combat sports fans worldwide. Whether you’re a Muay Thai purist, a kickboxing enthusiast, or just someone who loves high-action fights, this is a dream matchup.
The contrast in styles, the high stakes, and the reputation of both fighters make this a must-watch event.
Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with many predicting this to be one of the best striking battles in recent history.
Some believe Rodtang’s toughness and pressure will be too much for Takeru, while others argue that Takeru’s speed and technique will lead him to victory.
Also Read: Lito Adiwang’s Take: The Key Traits That Make Rodtang an Almost Impossible Opponent
