Muay Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon returns to action this weekend at ONE 167, but he’ll be competing under kickboxing rules, rather than his usual Muay Thai ruleset. Ahead of his bout in Bangkok, Thailand, he talks about his comeback, competing in kickboxing, and his thoughts on the man who called him out, Denis Puric.
You have been on the sidelines with an injury for quite a while. How frustrating was it knowing that you couldn’t compete? Did you miss fighting?
Of course, after being away from the ring for a long time, I miss fighting very much because I chose to be a fighter. I also want to fight. But all I can do is watch the fight from ONE Fight Night or ONE Friday Fights. So, I waited to see when I could fight again, but I had to wait for my injury to heal. When I was 100 percent recovered, I asked boss Chatri to offer me a fight. Now, my injury has completely healed 100 percent.
You were supposed to fight Takeru Segawa earlier this year, but you had to pull out due to the injury. What happened?
My fight with Takeru was a highly anticipated matchup. Not only were Thai fans hyped for it, but all people around the world, especially in Japan. Japanese people are waiting for me to fight with Takeru. And it almost happened. But I couldn’t fight due to an injury. I am very sorry that I was not able to fight. But I didn’t want to force myself to fight. Because each fight in ONE Championship is a big and very important fight for me, so I have to fight to the fullest, my body must be in tip-top shape. I apologize to Japanese fans for not being able to fight.
My injury occurred on my left hand. It’s been a chronic injury since my fight with Petchdam Petchyindee during the pandemic. The pain comes and goes. It’s always been like this. Until I fought with Superlek, he hit me in the same place, it was re-aggravated, so I had to treat it seriously. I needed to see a sports doctor often. He told me how to treat it. But I had to stop fighting first.
The doc had me wear a cast for one month, then I took it off and rested for about two and a half months before I came back to train like before.
How disappointed were you that you were unable to fight Takeru, and is that a fight you still want?
At first, I regretted not being able to fight Takeru. I really wanted to fight him. Because this fight would have added more value to my career.
But I had to choose myself first. Because if I forced myself to fight, what if my career ended there? I’d be doomed. So no matter how valuable that fight was, I had to choose to take care of myself first. Treat the injury and then return.
What did you think of Superlek’s performance against Takeru, and how do you think you would have done against Takeru?
The fight between Superlek and Takeru, you can say that it was a fight between superstars. Both men performed flawlessly and fiercely.
If I had fought Takeru instead of Superlek, I think the match would not have gone the distance. Because at the moment Takeru walked toward Superlek, I could see an opening which would have allowed me to finish him, for sure.
That was one of the best performances from Superlek. He showed his kickboxing style, he is a true champion.
What would you rather have first? The rematch with Superlek or the fight with Takeru?
I want to fight Takeru first because we already had a fight scheduled, and it did not happen. So, I think I want to make it happen for the fans.
You are finally returning against Denis Puric at ONE 167 in a kickboxing match. How do you feel to be returning under kickboxing rules instead of Muay Thai?
I have known Denis Puric for a long time. Since he first joined ONE, he has been calling me out from the beginning. Thank you for always thinking of me.
I agree that he is very good. He beat Tagir [Khalilov] and Jacob [Smith]. I think he deserves to face me. In his fight with Yodlekpet, I could see this guy is a veteran fighter, and he is more than ready to fight me.
As you mentioned, he has been calling you out for quite some time. How do you feel about that?
I respect him for his determination, he came to ONE to fight with me specifically. Because it’s really difficult to run through many opponents until he could reach me. You have to fight to put yourself into the rankings to challenge me. But he tried his best and managed to face me. I have to respect his fighting spirit.
This fight must be fought under kickboxing rules. Will it make you less aggressive?
No matter what rule set, my aggressive style is the same – action-packed, guaranteed.
I haven’t fought under these rules for a long time. Am I getting rusty? I don’t think so because my style is to punch and leg kick a lot. I don’t like to use elbows or knees and fight in close distance, which is similar to the kickboxing style. So, I don’t think I have to adjust anything. I just don’t want to expose my face too much because my opponent will score.
Denis Puric has made a bold statement regarding your matchup against him. How do you respond to that?
Let’s see in the ring, I’m glad you think that I’m no match for you. Thank you for calling me out. See you on June 7th, and you will know what hell is on earth.
