“I’m gonna make a fool out of him” – Denis Puric says he’ll school Muay Thai superstar Rodtang in their kickboxing clash
Denis Puric plans to "make a fool" out of 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon when the two step inside the Circle on Friday, June 7.
Emanating from Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, ONE 167 will feature a loaded lineup, including two massive world title fights and the return of one of ONE Championship's most beloved strikers — Rodtang. Making his mark in the art of eight limbs, the Thai superstar will strap on the eight-ounce gloves for a kickboxing clash with 'The Bosnian Menace.'
Before Puric faces his toughest test to date, he sat down with ONE Championship to share his excitement over the opportunity to face Rodtang on martial arts biggest stage.
“I’m excited, that’s all I’m saying. I didn’t mind it when I learned it was kickboxing, three rounds. Buddy, I’m gonna make a fool out of him.”
Puric is coming off an impressive win over Jacob Smith at ONE Fight Night 21 in April, moving him into the No. 2 spot in the flyweight Muay Thai rankings. With a win over 'The Iron Man,' he will all but guarantee himself a shot at Rodtang's 26 pounds of gold.
Denis Puric determined to bag the biggest win of his career against Rodtang
Of course, getting a win over Rodtang is much easier said than done. In fact, only two fighters in ONE Championship have accomplished the feat — P4P great Demetrious Johnson and reigning ONE flyweight kickboxing kick Superlek Kiatmoo9.
Still, 'The Iron Man' remains one of the most feared fighters in all of combat sports, proving time and time again that he can lay it on the best fighters in the world, including current two-sport titleholder Jonathan Haggerty, Danial Williams, the aforementioned Jacob Smith, and former ONE world champion Joseph Lasiri, among others.
Will Rodtang add another big win to his resume in The Land of Smiles, or will Denis Puric deliver the upset of the year and lock in his shot at the ONE flyweight Muay Thai crown?
ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 167 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime on Friday, June 7.