THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Petchdam guns for ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title against Rodtang

Petchdam guns for ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title against Rodtang

Make no mistake about it. When “The Baby Shark” Petchdam Petchyindee Academy steps into the ONE Championship ring opposite rival Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon later this month, all bets are off and the two will throw all pleasantries out the window.

The two top Muay Thai stars will figure in a five-round showdown for Rodtang’s ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship in the main event of ONE: NO SURRENDER, scheduled for Friday, 31 July in Bangkok.

 

It is ONE Championship’s first live show since February. The event, which will be held in a closed-door, audience-free venue, features some of the most exciting martial arts talent from Thailand.

 

But before they climb up the ring apron, Petchdam and Rodtang are throwing tons of mutual respect each other’s way.

 

“Me and Rodtang are good. I have a lot of respect for him, he has a lot of respect for me. I am happy to compete with my brother,” said Petchdam. “At the same time, I am confident heading into this matchup. I want his belt. Whether by points or by KO, I’m going to win this fight.”

 

Speaking with global media ahead of the matchup in an exclusive Zoom session last Thursday, 16 July, Petchdam expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to once again compete for a prestigious ONE World Title, and touched on the monstrous challenge that lies before him in facing a man who is arguably the best in Muay Thai, pound-for-pound.

 

“I am so glad that I can compete in ONE Championship again, after having had no events for a few months. I’m taking on Rodtang [Jitmuangnon] for the World Title, and I hope the fans will enjoy our fight. Thank you to the fans for all the support. I’m preparing very hard for this fight, because we know each other very well. It’s going to be fun,” Petchdam told reporters.

 

“Rodtang is tougher now than the last time I faced him. He’s beaten all the top Muay Thai fighters, so I need to work hard and be ready. Rodtang is a great fighter, and he does a lot of good things in the ring. But I’m also going to do my best in this fight. I want to take the World Championship belt from him, that is my goal.”

 

Both Petchdam and Rodtang each have their own strengths, and are vastly different offensive forces. Petchdam is much more kick heavy, using his length and athleticism to stifle his opponents, while Rodtang prefers the brute force approach, often testing his foes’ mettle by inviting them into organized chaos. Both styles are exciting, to say the least.

 

Having faced Rodtang twice before, with each man having one win apiece in their intense rivalry, Petchdam knows exactly what he’s getting himself into with this rubber match, and has adjusted his training accordingly.

 

“Out of everything, I have to worry about Rodtang’s punching. He is very fast and aggressive, everyone knows it. To underestimate that would be a mistake. He’s one of the most powerful punchers in the sport and is very dangerous,” Petchdam concluded.

 

ONE: NO SURRENDER is ONE Championship’s first live event since February. The promotion deliberated carefully on safety protocols necessary, and made the adjustments to its operations.

 

In the evening’s co-main event, defending ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy will put his World Title on the line against legendary “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex.

 

Also on the card is a ONE Super Series Kickboxing Super-Bout between striking superstars Superbon Banchamek and “The Killer Kid” Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong. ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex will also see action in a mixed martial arts contest against promotional newcomer, Sunisa Srisen.

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