“We’re doing things differently” - Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon goes scientific in his training camp ahead of ONE 169
Rodtang Jitmuangnon took a different approach heading into his next world title defense.
The ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion literally went to the lab for parts of his training camp against Jacob Smith in the world title match at ONE 169: Atlanta on November 8 at State Farm Arena.
Instead of solely focusing on the gym, Rodtang spent some time at a sports and wellness clinic in Bangkok to better prepare for his rematch against Smith.
Rodtang wrote on Instagram:
"This camp, we're doing things differently 👊 @bdmswellness"
Rodtang is as old school as any fighter of the current generation, yet the Muay Thai superstar has started to explore new ways to prepare for his fights more efficiently.
His previous approach, though, saw him capture 272 wins, 15 of which have happened under ONE Championship, and multiple world titles across a storied career.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon became the third holder of the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title when he took the throne from Jonathan Haggerty in August 2019.
'The Iron Man' has since defended the gold against Haggerty, now the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion, Walter Goncalves, Petchdam Petchyindee, Joseph Lasiri, and Edgar Tabares.
The 27-year-old is now set to defend his strap for the second time on American soil when he faces Smith in Atlanta in November.
Tickets for ONE 169 are available at Ticketmaster.
Mikey Musumeci recalls the origins of his friendship with Rodtang Jitmuangnon
Despite his menacing presence inside the Circle, Rodtang Jitmuangnon is one of the most laid-back characters out of it.
This calm demeanor outside the cage made him a bona fide superstar among fans and fellow fighters, including Mikey Musumeci.
In an interview with Cageside Press, the ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion recalled the origins of his unlikely friendship with Rodtang.
"So we're the two kids who are always f**king around when people are talking, we're in the back just shadow-fighting each other, messing around. Little kids, they don't really talk much. They just play with each other. It kind of became a relationship like that between me and Rodtang, and then we became closer, and I helped him make weight for the card in Denver last year."
Musumeci was on hand to help Rodtang make the 135-pound limit when he defended the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title at ONE Fight Night 10 in Denver.
Watch the entire interview below: