WATCH: Rodtang Jitmuangnon displays his adamantine chin in ONE Championship kickboxing debut against Tagir Khalilov
ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon proudly showed off just how durable he is in his first kickboxing bout under the ONE Championship banner against Tagir Khalilov at ONE: Fists of Fury in February 2021. 'The Iron Man' allowed the Russian standout to fire combos at his head while he casually brushed them off.
In response, he baited Khalilov into his counterstrikes by taunting him. Rodtang's gambit worked as his oppoonent struggled to comprehend how much punishment the Thai hero could withstand, eventually opening the door for the Jitmuangnon Gym star to eke out a split decision victory.
Watch their fight below, which ONE shared on YouTube:
The 27-year-old won his next five bouts under kickboxing and Muay Thai rules to amass an undefeated record through 14 fights in the striking arts of ONE.
Unfortunately, recently crowned double-champ Superlek Kiatmoo9 snapped his winning streak when they fought in a catchweight (140 pounds) Muay Thai bout in September 2023.
After returning to the win column with a strong performance over Denis Puric this past June, Rodtang's next fight will see him defend the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship against Jacob Smith at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8 inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Rodtang not underestimating Jacob Smith's toughness ahead of ONE 169
Despite defeating Jacob Smith in May 2022 at ONE 157, Rodtang remains cautious of the third-ranked ONE flyweight Muay Thai fighter ahead of ONE 169.
Rodtang stated in a recent interview with the world's largest martial arts promotion:
"But I can't underestimate my opponent because Jacob Smith is tough and durable. With his strong physique, I can't underestimate him."
ONE 169 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.