Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon has done hours of research and homework on his upcoming rival at ONE X, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. This has led him to develop a greater admiration for the MMA GOAT ahead of their alternating-rules contest this Saturday, March 26.

The ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion has always looked up to the American fighter as a martial artist.

But spending so much time detailing his every possible move for the MMA frames has given him a better understanding of just how skilled the 12-time MMA world champion is.

“In this kind of sport, Demetrious Johnson is my idol. If I ever compete in MMA, I want to have his speed, his fight style, you know? He’s a legendary role model for my career,” The Muay Thai superstar said.

“Actually, I was already planning to compete in MMA one day in the future, but I cannot say anything right now. We will need to see how the fight result goes. If the fight result is good, I might be confident to compete in MMA after that.”

Read More: “I’m a Mixed Martial Artist. I’m Not a Muay Thai Fighter” – Demetrious Johnson Opens up on “Mind F” of a Fight Against Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE: X

Rodtang’s admission that he plans to use this match to gauge whether or not to pursue a career in the all-encompassing sport will certainly raise eyebrows in the combat sports world, especially given the fact that many have given him good odds against the MMA legend ahead of their ONE X banger.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon is uncertain about MMA rounds at ONE X

The young star knows that the sport is about finding the perfect balance between striking and grappling. And as tough as that may be, the 24-year-old is looking forward to facing those challenges head-on at the promotion’s 10-year anniversary spectacle.

Rodtang will initially have the upper hand when the pair’s special rules contest goes off inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium, as the opening three minutes are set to play out under Muay Thai rules.

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But should Johnson miraculously pull off a great escape against Rodtang’s incomparable skill set, ‘The Iron Man’ knows he’ll immediately be in deep waters.

The second round will be Johnson’s playground, and due to his lack of experience in the field, the Thai is struggling to foresee what will unfold.

“I may have a lot of advantage in the Muay Thai rounds. However, when it goes to MMA rounds, I don’t know how it’s going to be. It’s not going to be an easy fight to compete with him in MMA,” the ONE Flyweight World Champion said.

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