Nong-O brings legendary credentials to this title opportunity. The 38-year-old has compiled approximately 350 professional fights across a career that includes two Thailand National Championships, four Lumpinee Stadium World Titles across multiple divisions, and a Rajadamnern Stadium belt.
His ONE Championship resume includes seven successful ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title defenses from 2018 onward, with five ending in knockout victories. His move to flyweight creates the opportunity to pursue two-division championship status against the division’s most exciting striker.
Rodtang’s respect for Nong-O dates back to their first meeting in Singapore when Rodtang joined ONE Championship. They shared meals together and developed a friendship that deepened during a company retreat in Phuket in 2019. That bond led Rodtang to repeatedly state he would never fight his mentor.
“For Nong-O, since I got a contract with ONE Championship, he has always been the role model for both [fighting] and living life. The way he takes care of his body, he is the best. He should be the role model of the role models that everyone should try to follow in his footsteps. He will always get my respect,” Rodtang said.
For years, their career paths avoided intersection. Rodtang dominated the flyweight division while Nong-O defended his bantamweight championship. But the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title has created the matchup Rodtang hoped to avoid.
Their friendship extends beyond competition. They regularly play football together and spend time outside the gym. Those moments represented their only competition against each other until this title opportunity emerged.
The situation creates conflicting emotions for Rodtang. Winning the championship carries different weight when victory comes at the expense of someone he considers a role model and friend. His uncertainty about how satisfaction would feel reflects the unusual circumstances.
“If I win, I will just win. I guess I’ll be happy when I win the championship, just like how everybody else would. But fighting another Thai fighter is another thing, especially Nong-O, whom I highly respect,” Rodtang said.
Both athletes understand their professional obligations supersede personal relationships once the contest begins. Their friendship will resume after the final bell, but the vacant belt demands complete competitive dedication from both men.
“I might be happy or maybe not. I don’t know about this one. There’s something deep inside. I just perform my best in each fight and make everyone proud of me. When I fight, I don’t fight for myself but for the fans, for those who love me,” Rodtang said.
