Johan Ghazali truly appreciates that ONE Championship fans compare him to a Muay Thai legend. However, he wants to become known for his own devastating skill set as he embarks on the next stage of his professional journey. This past weekend at ONE Fight Night 17, the Malaysian-American prodigy debuted on ONE’s grandest stage.

Moreover, he made quick work of former World Title challenger Edgar Tabares in their flyweight bout. After scoring yet another dominant knockout – his fourth in five outings in the world’s largest martial arts organization – many have been quick to name Ghazali as the next Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

Johan Ghazali doesn’t want comparisons with the legend

The 17-year-old admits that comparisons with Rodtang helped gain him notoriety. However, he also says he has no intentions of living in the flyweight Muay Thai king’s shadow. “I get this a lot. At first, it was cool; people calling me ‘Rodtang Malay.’ It’s cool to be mentioned on the same level as one of my idols,” he told ONE in a ONE Fight Night 17 post-fight interview.

“But I don’t want to be remembered as the next Rodtang, you know? I want to be remembered as the first ‘Jojo,’ the first Johan Ghazali. So, I’m grateful. I’m honored to be, not on the same level as him, but being mentioned with him. But yeah, I want to be my own person.”

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Ghazali earned a six-figure contract with ONE following a brilliant run in the promotion’s Friday Fights series. Further, he took that success to the next level by delivering a highlight-reel finish against Tabares.

Patience is the key for Ghazali

If Ghazali continues on this path of destruction, it’s possible ‘Jojo’ could soon face Rodtang himself. But the young striker doesn’t want to get ahead of himself. He understands that there are contenders waiting in the wings, and he has to prove that he deserves a shot instead of being gifted with an opportunity based on hype.

For now, he just wants to show who he is by showcasing his unique talents. “Of course, sometime down the line, you know? I have a target to be able to fight anyone in maybe two to three years, but I’m going to slowly take my time and move up in ranks. I’m not going to jump in too fast,” Ghazali said.

“My Career Is Dependent on This Fight” – Edgar Tabares Wants to Prove He Belongs on the Global Stage by Defeating Johan Ghazali

“So yeah, anyone could be on my bucket list. Anyone who is entertaining. Anyone who makes noise, of course, I want to fight them.” From his recent statement, Johan Ghazali seems confident in his abilities. Do you think he will ever face Rodtang? Let us know in the comments below.