TLDR
- Rodtang Jitmuangnon faces mentor Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE 173 on November 16 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena
- Rodtang never wanted to fight Nong-O due to deep respect for his teacher and mentor, but both fighters are ranked and the division needs an undisputed champion
- The title became vacant after Rodtang was stripped for missing weight in November 2024, leaving unfinished business for the former champion
- Nong-O held the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai title for 1,526 days with seven consecutive defenses before moving to flyweight this year
- Rodtang is coming off an 80-second knockout victory over Takeru at ONE 172 in March and considers Japan his “second home”
Rodtang Jitmuangnon will face his mentor Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE 173 on November 16. The fight takes place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The 28-year-old former champion never imagined he would compete against someone he considers a teacher and brother. When Rodtang first joined ONE Championship as a young prospect from Phatthalung, Thailand, Nong-O became family to him. The veteran fighter mentored and guided the rising star throughout his career.
Rodtang’s first reaction to the fight announcement was sadness rather than excitement. He has publicly stated multiple times that he never wanted to face Nong-O in competition. The personal bond between the two Thai fighters runs too deep for Rodtang to feel comfortable trading strikes with someone he respects so much.
“I respect and look up to Nong-O as my teacher. He always took care of me,” Rodtang said. “I even said back then that I never wanted to face Nong-O in ONE because I respect him so much.”
The fight became necessary because both fighters hold rankings in the flyweight division. ONE Championship needed to determine an undisputed champion. Despite his personal feelings, Rodtang reluctantly agreed to the matchup.
#MMA "The time has come for us to meet" – Rodtang ready to face mentor, brother Nong-O in epic showdown for vacant gold https://t.co/Vdv8meLzRu
— Sport Tweets (@TweetsOfSportUK) November 12, 2025
Nong-O brings an impressive resume to the fight. The 39-year-old legend held the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title for 1,526 days. He defended that championship seven consecutive times before losing it in April 2023.
Nong-O’s Move to Flyweight
After struggling against larger opponents at bantamweight, Nong-O made a permanent switch to flyweight this year. He showed his vintage form with a unanimous decision victory over Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in May 2025. The move down in weight has revitalized the veteran’s career.
Rodtang expressed deep admiration for his opponent without hesitation. “Nong-O is a great role model for every fighter,” he said. “I’m not even half as good as him.”
The former champion praised Nong-O’s dedication to training and his commitment to the sport. Rodtang called his mentor “incredible” and highlighted his excellence in preparation. Despite these feelings, Rodtang approaches the fight with determination.
The title opportunity represents unfinished business for Rodtang. He lost his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title on the scales in November 2024. The stripped championship has haunted him throughout his recent campaign.
Rodtang captured the flyweight title in August 2019 through dominant performances. He established himself as the face of modern Muay Thai since his 2018 promotional debut. Losing the belt without being defeated in competition drives his desire to reclaim it.
Recent Momentum Building
The Thai superstar brings momentum into this championship fight. He scored an 80-second knockout victory over Takeru at ONE 172 in March at Saitama Super Arena. The devastating finish demonstrated Rodtang’s current form heading into Tokyo.
“Every fight is important, and this one gives me the chance to challenge for the flyweight belt again,” Rodtang said. “I’m going to do my absolute best, and this fight will be my best performance against someone I respect deeply.”
Fighting in Japan adds special meaning for Rodtang. He calls the country his “second home” and feels happiest when competing there. Japanese fans have embraced the Thai striker completely throughout his career.
“I’m really happy to have the chance to go back and fight in Japan again,” Rodtang said. “Japan is like my second home.”
Reclaiming championship status drives everything Rodtang does in the sport. The desire to wear gold supersedes even his personal feelings about facing his mentor. He made clear that having a championship title remains his ultimate goal.
“The feeling of getting the belt back again makes me very happy,” Rodtang said. “I want to reclaim this belt because, above all else, I want to have a championship title on my shoulder.”
Rodtang sent a message to Nong-O before the fight that captured the unique nature of their matchup. He asked his mentor to give his all in the ring. The message wasn’t trash talk but a heartfelt invitation to showcase Muay Thai together.
#MMA Rodtang says friendship with Nong-O will only get stronger after big fight: “I love and respect you just the same” https://t.co/8jEA50rXDv
— Sport Tweets (@TweetsOfSportUK) November 12, 2025
“To Nong-O, give it your all, my brother,” Rodtang said. “Let’s showcase the art of Muay Thai for everyone to see so that our fight will be just as exciting as any other fights on the card.”
Rodtang emphasized that no matter how fierce the fight becomes or who wins, their relationship will remain unchanged. He promised to love and respect Nong-O the same way regardless of the outcome. The fight will determine the division’s undisputed champion while testing the bonds between teacher and student.
In the United States, ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri airs live on pay-per-view at live.onefc.com at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on Saturday, November 15.
