Demetrious Johnson vs Rodtang Jitmuangnon: ONE Introduces MMA-Muay Thai Special-Rules Bout

Published 09/15/2021, 11:39 PM EDT

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Demetrious Johnson will return against Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE:X on December 5. Following his sole loss at ONE, Mighty Mouse’s comeback fight will see him enter a hybrid form of combat, which the fight-world hasn’t really seen before.

The MMA veteran will test himself against one of the toughest strikers in the world, two-rounds in MMA and the other two in Muay Thai. This came as a surprise to the combat fans after Chatri Sityodtong announced it in a conversation with Ariel Helwani, thrilling them for some obvious reasons.

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Flyweight Muay Thai titlist Rodtang Jitmuangnon is one of the most treacherous strikers in all-of-combat, boasting 267 wins to his name. Besides, his sheer ability to take punishment turns him even deadlier when put inside the ring or cage. Still fresh from his win over Daniel Williams in April, ‘Ironman’ will lock horns against Daniel Puertas in October in a kickboxing collision.

That said, he will transit to MMA-Muay Thai within two months and take on Demetrious Johnson, one of the best in the world. Jitmuangnon, still undefeated at ONE Championship, is among the biggest stars on the roster. So, the 24-year-old can further nourish his resume by adding Johnson to the list of his in-ring victims.

35-year-old Johnson has all the features that can see him grab the win. But it will never be an undemanding task to outwork Rodtang, especially in Muay Thai. Hence, Johnson will have to look for his best in MMA, while ‘Iron Man’ can go for the Muay Thai rounds. But given the sports’ unpredictability and the brand new features, anything can happen. Here’s more about the card.

ONE:X will have much more than Demetrious Johnson vs Rodtang Jitmuangnon

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As reported, One Championship has added two more title fights to the card. Bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes will relinquish a two-year-long hiatus to return against John Lineker. Meanwhile, featherweight champion Thanh Lee will put his belt at stake against Garry Tonon.

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The fight card is looking pretty intense as of now. Demetrious Johnson has also reacted to his nearing matchup, citing his “LFG” energy via social media. Hence, this unique blend of combat has excited fans as well as fighters.

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Who do you think takes this one? Demetrious Johnson or Rodtang Jitmuangnon?

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Written by:

Raj Sarkar

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A senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports, Raj Sarkar is a mass media graduate who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in broadcast journalism. In addition to his current role, he has worked with the MMA team at EssentiallySports and has interviewed prominent fighters such as Ritu Phogat and 'The Red King' Rory MacDonald. He combined his bachelor's degree with his adoration for combat sports and has a combined 2000 plus bylines in MMA and boxing over the last two years.
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