“I will love to come to your home country” - Chelsea fullback Reece James links up with Rodtang, plans to train Muay Thai in Bangkok
Rodtang Jitmuangnon's global influence continues to expand by the day.
The reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion is one of the most recognizable fighters on the planet, and he recently linked up with Chelsea fullback Reece James, albeit on social media.
The Chelsea captain is recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered during preseason when he and Rodtang exchanged messages on social media.
James wrote to Rodtang that he would love to visit Thailand, a country with a huge footballing fanbase, and train Muay Thai with the fighting megastar.
Rodtang shared a screenshot of his back-and-forth with James on his personal Facebook profile and promised to bring the England international to a possible ONE Championship card.
"Special tutorial," Rodtang Jitmuangnon posted on Facebook.
Rodtang is no stranger to linking up with some of football's biggest stars, one of which is considered the game's greatest of all time.
In 2023, Rodtang received a signed Inter Miami shirt from eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion Lionel Messi. While it may have come as a surprise to the overall sporting world, Rodtang and Messi had one crucial link between them.
Yassine Chueko, Messi's personal bodyguard, is a former professional Muay Thai fighter and one of Rodtang's biggest fans.
The former US soldier served as the bridge between the two sporting legends, leading to Messi giving 'The Iron Man' a personal and priceless gift.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon sends a chilling warning to Takeru Segawa
Rodtang Jitmuangnon may be spending some of his free time linking with footballers, but the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion remains dedicated to becoming the best striker on the planet.
If things fall into the right places then Rodtang's super fight against Takeru Segawa is practically inevitable.
Takeru is coming off a huge knockout win over Thant Zin this past week at ONE Friday Fights 81, and Rodtang was in attendance to watch his newfound rival soak in the atmosphere at Lumpinee Stadium.
Rodtang, however, didn't waste time building up the hype for his potential showdown against Takeru.
"I just want to say you had it easy tonight. When you face me, it’s not going to be this easy," said Rodtang during his impromptu face-off against Takeru in the middle of the Lumpinee ring.
Before Rodtang can trade limb and leather with Takeru, though, he must first take care of his world title defense against Jacob Smith at ONE 169: Atlanta on Nov. 8 at State Farm Arena.
Tickets for ONE 169 are available at Ticketmaster.