"A literal tank" - Fans marvel at Rodtang Jitmuangnon's insane toughness in kickboxing firefight against Tagir Khalilov
Rodtang Jitmuangnon's first kickboxing match in ONE Championship was in February 2021, against promotional debutant Tagir Khalilov, as part of the ONE: Fists of Fury card, which took place inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The world's largest martial arts organization reposted the full fight replay between Rodtang and Khalilov on their YouTube recently and wrote its video description with:
"Before Thai megastar Rodtang rematches Jacob Smith for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title and Russian powerhouse Tagir Khalilov battles Kongthoranee in a pair of exciting matchups at ONE 169 on November 8, relive their wild kickboxing showdown at ONE: FISTS OF FURY in 2021!"
It was a very exciting flyweight showdown, and 'The Iron Man' brought out his signature defense, using his chin to shrug off the power of 'Samingpri' and eat it like it was his breakfast.
Despite the Russian's best efforts, Rodtang still eked out a close split decision victory because of his more damaging strikes to get his hands raised and collect another win to his record.
This outstanding performance by the reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion was praised by fans, as users @MikhailBagangan, @matemm52, @joshm3129, and @DestinsAPigeon sent their reactions through their comments:
"Hes a literal tank 😮😮"
"running around and throwing weak single jabs or low kicks every once in a while won't give ya a win over Rodtang..."
"Khalilov should be proud of his performance. He hung in there with one of the best fighters in the world. Great fight!"
"Rodtang eats punches the way I eat french fries."
Rodtang and Tagir Khalilov to see action in the same card on Nov. 8 at ONE 169
Rodtang and Khalilov will be on the same card once again on Nov. 8 at ONE 169, which goes down inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, but this time, they will be fighting different foes.
The Jitmuangnon Gym representative is set to defend his 26-pound golden belt against Jacob Smith in their world championship rematch. Meanwhile, Khalilov will face Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in a flyweight Muay Thai scrap.
North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can stream the entire ONE 169 card live and for free.