Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangon could move one step closer to his dream of becoming a two-sport ONE World Champion with a victory over “The Eagle of Yi” Jiduo Yibu in their flyweight kickboxing duel at ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov on January 13. The ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion recognizes just how big his return to kickboxing is, and he wants to ensure he leaves Bangkok’s Impact Arena with his hand raised.
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Though taking out “The Eagle of Yi” is high on his agenda, Rodtang may also be looking past his upcoming fight – and towards a shot at the winner of the co-main event of Friday’s card.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon eyes a ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title after a victory
“I am more than ready [to fight for the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title if I win] because it is not the first time I have fought in kickboxing,” the 25-year-old offered. “And I’m the #1-ranked contender. So, I think I have the right to challenge for kickboxing gold with either Superlek or Daniel.”
“I’ll wait and see who claims this belt, and I’m going to claim it for myself next time out.”
With Ilias Ennahachi vacating the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title after failing to pass ONE’s mandatory hydration tests, Daniel Puertas has stepped in to compete for the strap against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in ONE Fight Night 6’s penultimate battle. Rodtang was originally scheduled to fight Puertas, so the change in schedule meant he was given a new opponent for ONE’s first show of 2023 – China’s Jiduo Yibu.
Rodtang wants a win to overcome his struggle with opponent change
Despite preparing himself for a battle with the Spanish star, Rodtang Jitmuangnon remains confident that the last-minute change won’t throw him off course from maintaining his perfect striking record in the Circle. And a victory over Yibu will likely solidify a World Title shot in the near future.
“I admit, I had done my homework with my original opponent, and I have limited time to study a new one. It’s a little bit of a struggle for me, but it is not a big deal,” he said. “I am confident and determined. I’ll try my best to reach my goal. I can see the finish line appearing around my next corner.”
