Rodtang Jitmuangnon Planning Spectacular KO of Danial Williams in Front of American Audience
Reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon is excited to make his American prime time debut next week, when he faces highly-rated former WMC Muay Thai World Champion “Mini-T” Danial Williams.
The two square off at “ONE on TNT I,” the first of a four-part event series scheduled for live broadcast on Wednesday, April 7 (Thursday, April 8 in Asia) from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. It’s a non-title Muay Thai bout at a catchweight of 61.5kg.
Rodtang is excited to face a worthy opponent, and wants to show the American audience what he’s all about as a fighter.
“I feel like he’s a well-rounded athlete, great at both Muay Thai and mixed martial arts. I think ONE Championship put together a solid matchup, and I can’t wait to showcase my skills against him,” Rodtang told ONE Championship.
“Of course, every fight at this level is a dangerous fight. I can’t underestimate him because anything can happen in the Circle. One second you blink and it’s lights out. His fighting style is also similar to mine.”
Rodtang joined ONE Super Series, ONE’s all-striking subsegment, in 2018. Since then, he’s blazed a trail through the competition, capturing the Muay Thai world title in the process via some amazing performances in the Circle.
Williams is coming in as a solid opponent for Rodtang, who many fans described as highly capable of pulling off an upset.
Rodtang seems to agree, and he doesn’t want to make the mistake of underestimating Williams in any way.
“He has pretty good punch and kick combinations, and he mixes it up very well. Those are his strengths. He has a particularly solid right kick, which I need to be prepared for. I’d say that’s his best weapon,” said Rodtang.
“As far as weaknesses go, I don’t really pay too much attention to them. Being that this is a Muay Thai fight, I probably have most of the advantages since I’ve been doing this for so long and I have the experience. I also think I’m faster than he is and more accurate. But you can’t underestimate anyone in this game. That would not be smart.”
The “ONE on TNT” series will air every Wednesday in the United States from April 7 for four weeks. Each week will include a preliminary card digitally streamed exclusively on the Bleacher Report App and B/R Live from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET, followed by three main card fights televised exclusively on TNT in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET. It will be available in Asia via the usual channels.
The stacked April 7 card will also feature a main event showdown between ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix, and 12-time UFC World Champion Demetrious Johnson who challenges reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes.
Also on the card is the return of former UFC Lightweight Champion Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez who faces #2-ranked lightweight contender Iuri Lapicus in the co-main event.
Rodtang plans to make use of his time on this important stage wisely. It’s his chance to showcase his otherworldly fighting skills, and exactly why Asian fans have come to love his all-action style.
“The Iron Man” is going for another highlight reel knockout.
“I want to win. That’s my goal, especially in this fight. I’m the only Thai athlete on this card, and it’s such a huge honor to represent my home country in front of millions of fans around the world, especially the American fans. This will be the first time I’m competing live in front of the American audience watching at home. I will try my best to put on a good show,” said Rodtang.
“As usual, I’m coming in packing the heat. My plan is to knock him out in the second round. That’s what I’ll be working towards. If I see the finish, I’m going after it.”
