“Today we become brothers for life” - Denis Puric plays football, hangs out with Rodtang after ONE 167 firefight
It took the burning furnace of combat sports to forge a friendship, or even a brotherhood, between Denis Puric and Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Puric almost single-handedly built the atmosphere for his catchweight kickboxing bout against Rodtang, and their ONE 167 duel more than exceeded the hype that was built heading into Bangkok.
The pair put on one of this year's most exciting fights and that match led to a now unbreakable friendship between Puric and Rodtang.
Denis Puric revealed in an Instagram post that he and his partner hung out with Rodtang and his wife Aida Looksaikongdin following their intense showdown at Impact Arena.
"Had a wonderful with Rodtang and his wife's family today. We played football, talked, drank tea, and shared food. Today was truly one of the best days of my life. Thank you again, brother, for this wonderful experience and hospitality. I will remember this day for the rest of my life. Today we become brothers for life. Until we meet again my friend, @rodtang_jimungnon. @aida.looksaikongdin 🙏🙏🙏," wrote Puric.
Rodtang and Puric put on an absolute barnburner that three rounds didn't seem quite enough to contain such electricity.
In the end, Rodtang's overall aggression and damage dealt became the deciding factor for the unanimous decision win.
Rodtang thanks Denis Puric, and hints at a potential rematch
Their first Bangkok encounter might just be the catalyst to a string of matches between Rodtang and Denis Puric.
Despite Rodtang weighing in at 141.25 lbs, more than six pounds over the flyweight limit of 135 lbs, he and Puric put on a show at Impact Arena that left fans wanting more.
Taking to Instagram, Rodtang apologized to Puric for missing weight and even hinted at a possible rematch between them down the line.
"First of all I want to apologize to my opponent for not being able to make weight and I have to admit he is a very good fighter, and that's another story. Before I fought, I encountered a serious problem in my life. I was very discouraged. I asked myself if I should go fight, but I thought of everyone who loves me, so I endured to fight today while resting from my injury," wrote Rodtang.
He added:
"Thank you to everyone who loves and supports me. See you in the next fight. @bosnian_menace."