Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon made his competition debut in the United States at ONE Fight Night 10 last week, and he is thankful to be able to showcase Muay Thai on this stage. The Thai superstar performed as good as advertised while defending his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship against Mexican striker Edgar Tabares in the co-main event of the card.

Rodtang was in his usual dominant form throughout the contest and put an exclamation mark on his performance with a fight-ending elbow that sent Tabares crashing in the second round of their match.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon was enthralled by the response of the American crowd

During the post-fight press conference, “The Iron Man’ was asked how he felt about taking the lead on promoting Muay Thai in the United States. He said, “I was really thrilled with the opportunity to fight in America and show the beauty of Muay Thai. I really want to elevate it as an art,” Rodtang said. “I truly believe in Muay Thai, love Muay Thai, and I want the world to see the beauty of Muay Thai too.”

With over 300 fights under his belt, he is already a legend in Thailand even before stepping onto the global stage of ONE Championship.However, with every fight, his popularity and legend only grow even more. His performances have gone viral on social media, and fans were not disappointed watching him live at ONE Fight Night 10.

READ MORE – What’s Next for Demetrious Johnson, and the Other Two Enticing Winners at ONE Fight Night 10?

Understandably, the 25-year-old was pleasantly surprised about the reaction he got from the crowd in attendance. He added, “Yeah, I was shocked, I had no idea that Americans would respond that way or that I already have a fanbase in America.”

Muay Thai had driven Rodtang Jitmuangnon out of his childhood troubles

Rodtang started competing professionally at just 10 years old in order to help support himself and his family financially. Since then, his passion for the sport only grew as he continued to fight. Today, he has been able to provide a good life for his family and reach a level of superstardom that he never would have imagined when he was younger.

READ MORE – “I’ll Never Win in That Fashion Again”: Tye Ruotolo Disappointed in Himself Despite Grabbing the Win Against Reiner De Ridder at ONE Fight Night 10

Rodtang shared, “I was just shocked, I’m just very grateful. I never thought as a child, you know, struggling in poverty that I’d be here.”