ONE Flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon impressed on his return, leaving Bangkok’s Impact Arena with a unanimous decision victory against Denis Puric.
Rodtang edged out his Canadian-Bosnian competitor in the co-main event at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs Nattawut II, showing his trademark ruthlessness for the entirety of the three-round 64 Kg catchweight kickboxing bout.
In the first round, the “Iron Man” employed an unusual tactic, using his speed and a variety of kicks to open up his opponent’s defense while only utilizing boxing combinations late in the round. After dominating the first round, Rodtang came under pressure in the second stanza as the veteran 39-year-old landed solid combinations.
Still, Rodtang seemed characteristically durable, absorbing the Bosnian-Canadian’s punches and using his incredible arsenal to strike back. A heavy exchange in the third round brought the audience to the edge of their seats as the two men engaged from a close distance, but neither of them was able to knock out the other.
After a hard-fought contest, the three judges gave Rodtang the nod. The win is a significant one for the Thai megastar as it follows his defeat to Superlek Kiatmoo last September – his first defeat under striking rules in ONE Championship.
With this win, the 26-year-old Thai megastar improves his overall record to 272-43.
