Thai megastar Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon is sick of talking about his wildly anticipated flyweight kickboxing super-fight against Takeru “The Natural Born Crusher” Segawa – he’s ready to throw down.
On Sunday, March 23, the elite strikers will finally square off in the main event of ONE 172 at the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
The matchup marks one of the biggest fights in combat sports history, with tension between the two gradually building to a fever pitch over the past year.
Japanese icon Takeru was originally slated to face Rodtang in his promotional debut at ONE 165, but when the latter was forced to withdraw due to injury, reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 stepped up on short notice.
In that fight, Takeru displayed awe-inspiring durability and determination but ultimately dropped the judges’ decision after five rounds of electrifying and unforgettable action.
Rodtang believes that Superlek started the job against Takeruo – and he told onefc.com that he intends to finish it:
“When Takeru lost to Superlek, he said in an interview that it made him feel like he was dying alive. So in this fight, I will be the one to bury him six feet under.”
A former long-reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion who is beloved worldwide for his inimitable charisma and in-fight antics, Rodtang is the ultimate showman.
He’s also one of the planet’s top pound-for-pound strikers. To that end, he’s done his homework on Takeru and was quick to give the Japanese sensation his due respect.
However, after watching “The Natural Born Crusher’s” battles in ONE with Superlek and then against Myanmar hero Thant Zin, Rodtang believes he’s identified a clear path to victory at ONE 172:
“Takeru’s most dangerous weapons are his unpredictable and unorthodox attacks – and his Bushido spirit. He was truly born to fight.
“Everyone knows what his weakness is – his defense is poor. Although he is durable, when he attacks, he neglects his defense. He proved that in his fights with Superlek and Thant Zin.”
Considering each man’s never-say-die attitude and seemingly granite chin, fans can expect nothing less than a war at Saitama Super Arena.
Rodtang agrees, and after hearing Takeru talk about his aggressive approach to this battle, he guarantees they will produce fireworks:
“Takeru said he would fight as if it’s his last fight, and he came to ONE to fight me, so I am really happy to respond to him. This fight is going to be a barnburner. Everyone will definitely enjoy it.”
Takeru Segawa has not only said that he’ll fight Rodtang Jitmuangnon as if it’s his last match – but also that it might actually be his last time competing.
While Rodtang isn’t so sure he believes that talk, he said that sending the 33-year-old into retirement with a beating would bring a sense of guilt:
“If I were really going to be the last one who fights Takeru and he’ll retire, I’ll forever blame myself and never forgive myself. [Beating] him painfully in his last match would not be nice. I’ll let him live on in this industry, trying to find victory, before he quits it himself.”
Despite Rodtang’s confidence, Takeru actually said he would consider walking away from fighting once he beats “The Iron Man” in Japan.
The Thai took offense to that comment and was happy to fire back with some words of his own:
“The fact that Takeru said in an interview that if he manages to beat me, it would be his bonus and that he’ll retire from the sport – I think that’s bull. It’s not a real bonus, man.
“I’m not a kind of cheap snack that he can chew on and talk smack about. Try me first, and he will find the answer. That’s it.”
