The legendary Nong-O Hama is stepping into the ring for one of the most emotionally charged fights of his career. The 38-year-old Thai veteran will face his longtime friend and protégé, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
This fight isn’t just about gold, it’s about legacy, respect, and an unbreakable bond between two warriors who never imagined they’d stand across from each other.
Rodtang’s admiration for Nong-O runs deep. The former flyweight king has often called the veteran his role model, both in fighting and in life. Their friendship began when Rodtang joined ONE Championship and grew stronger during a 2019 company retreat in Phuket. They’ve shared meals, laughter, and even played football together.
“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, the division kept the two apart. Rodtang dominated the flyweight division while Nong-O reigned supreme as bantamweight champion. However, with the flyweight title now vacant, the two will collide in a fight Rodtang never wanted.
“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 admitted.
While Rodtang wrestles with emotion, Nong-O approaches the bout with a clear mind. The decorated Muay Thai icon has a 350-fight record with two Thailand National Championships, four Lumpinee Stadium World Titles across multiple divisions, and a Rajadamnern Stadium belt. In ONE Championship, he successfully defended his bantamweight crown seven times, five ending in knockouts.
Now chasing two-division glory, Nong-O knows exactly what he’s up against.
“Rodtang is a durable fighter. He is tough. Some might view him [simply] as an aggressive fighter. For me, Rodtang has a really high fight IQ, and that is intimidating. I see him as an intelligent boxer in terms of [improvising],” Nong-O said.
He admits knocking out Rodtang might be nearly impossible, but not out of the question.
“It would be really challenging to have a knockout in this fight. So, I would love to win by score. But if there is good timing, I would totally go for the knockout because I’ve been preparing so many forms of strikes,” he added.
Both fighters will be entering the cage as fathers as Rodtang recently welcomed his son, Zlatan Nong-O, also a father of two, understands that feeling well and adds that the fighters mindset may have shifted.
“A father would want to do his best to show his child that he can do it. So, that could play a part. Rodtang is now a father. I am a father. So, that’s relatable,” Nong-O said.
As the fight approaches, both men understand what’s at stake: a chance to become champion, to honor their families, and to represent Thai Muay Thai at its highest level
