“It’ll be just like any other night for him” – Johan Ghazali says there’s no pressure for Rodtang in return fight against Denis Puric
Teen phenom Johan Ghazali expects to see Rodtang put on a show when he steps into the Circle for a flyweight kickboxing bout with 'The Bosnian Menace' Denis Puric.
Competing for the first time since delivering the Muay Thai Fight of the Year against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in September, 'The Iron Man' will strap on the eight-ounce gloves for a highly anticipated clash with high-octane striker Denis Puric at ONE 167 on Friday, June 7 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ghazali, who will also be competing at the loaded event inside Impact Arena, recently spoke about Rodtang's return to action against Puric, telling Sportskeeda MMA:
"I think he doesn’t really need to make a statement or anything. He’s already done that. So it’ll be just like any other night for him."
Puric is coming off an impressive showing against Jacob Smith at ONE Fight Night 21 in April. The victory moved him into the No. 2 spot in the flyweight Muay Thai rankings. With a win over 'The Iron Man' in kickboxing, Puric will be all but guaranteed an opportunity to run it back with Rodtang in the art of eight limbs.
Like Rodtang, Johan Ghazali will look for another big win when he returns to action at ONE 167
While Rodtang Jitmuangnon's return to the Circle at ONE 167 has dominated much of the headlines, the event will feature an absolutely stacked undercard, including the sixth promotional appearance of 17-year-old prospect Johan Ghazali.
Making his ONE Championship debut in February 2023, the Malaysian-American striker has won five in a row inside the Circle, including four highlight-reel-worthy knockouts over Padetsuk Fairtex, Tai Sor Jor Piek Uthai, Temirlan Bekmurzaev, and Edgar Tabares.
At ONE 167, 'Jojo' will face his toughest test yet when he meets Vietnamese standout and five-time WMF world champion Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat.
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.