“See you soon” - Flyweight Muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon ready to elevate his superstardom at ONE 169 in Atlanta
Rodtang Jitmuangnon is already one of the world's most recognized fighters, yet he believes he can still reach a higher level of stardom when he competes in the United States for the second time under the ONE Championship banner. The ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion will defend his title against a familiar foe in Jacob Smith at ONE 169: Atlanta on Nov. 8 at the State Farm Arena.
Rodtang previously faced and beat Smith in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix in May 2022, but now the stakes are higher when they meet for a second time in Georgia.
Taking to Instagram, Rodtang thanked ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong for giving him the platform to fight in front of American audiences.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon added that he'll channel his energy and electrify Atlanta in November, just as he did when he knocked out Edgar Tabares to retain his throne back at ONE Fight Night 10 in May 2023 in Denver.
He wrote:
"Without ONE, I would not have been able to showcase my Muay Thai skills to Americans and people around the world. Thank you so much for this opportunity, thank you Chatri, and thank you to all my fans in America and around the world who have always supported me. See you soon.🙏🏻🙏🏻🇹🇭"
Rodtang Jitmuangnon is easily one of the best strikers of the current generation, but he also understands that it's not just his fighting abilities that have endeared him to fans around the globe. The Thai megastar is a natural entertainer and would put on spectacular shows whenever he fights for ONE Championship.
Dubbed 'The Iron Man,' the 272-win veteran often goads his opponents into exciting fire fights. He'll now bring that style to the U.S. east coast this November. Tickets for ONE 169 are available at Ticketmaster.
Jacob Smith hails Rodtang Jitmuangnon's devastating power
If someone in ONE Championship can attest to Rodtang Jitmuangnon's power, it's Jacob Smith.
The surging Brit faced Rodtang in his promotional debut in May 2022 but was subjected to an absolute beating from the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion.
In an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Smith said he has nothing but respect for Rodtang's unbridled power.
Smith said:
"I have a lot of respect for him because he’s obliterated most people. But I also get the side that he hasn’t fought or fought the same level of Thai fighters who will or may give him a hard time. But it's all buts isn’t it? Me, personally, I’ve been impressed with his run so far."