ONE 167: Megastar Rodtang Meets Denis Puric In Flyweight Kickboxing Clash

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ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga already features a plethora of ONE Championship superstars. But the promotion has just added a Muay Thai monster to the mix to further strengthen the card.

On Saturday, 8 June, ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon laces up the big gloves once more to collide with fellow scrapper Denis Puric in flyweight kickboxing action inside Bangkok, Thailand's Impact Arena.

Rodtang last competed in September 2023 at ONE Friday Fights 34. There, he suffered his first promotional loss under striking rules to ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Fortunately for "The Iron Man," his gold wasn't up for grabs in the super-fight due to Superlek missing weight. But an iconic clash that rocked the combat sports world nonetheless unfolded between the compatriots.

After that September bout, Rodtang had to sit the sidelines with a hand injury. He was meant to return in January at ONE 165 to meet Japanese sensation Takeru Segawa, but Rodtang withdrew due to his prolonged injury.

However, his return to the kickboxing fold for the first time since 2023 has fans excited. Puric is a dangerous striker who's looking to follow up on his recent momentum while capitalizing on Rodtang's absence.

"The Bosnian Menace" has begged for a shot at Rodtang since arriving in ONE Championship. The dangerous striker refuses to take a step back, and he'll bring that same vengeance to "The Iron Man" this June.

Puric last tasted action earlier this month at ONE Fight Night 21, partaking in a three-round barnburner of a bout with Englishman Jacob Smith. After getting the nod and earning the #2-ranked status in the flyweight Muay Thai division, he seeked out Rodtang once more.

Be careful what you wish for, though, because you just might get it. Puric certainly got his. And while the clash may not be for Rodtang's flyweight Muay Thai crown, a strong performance under kickboxing rules could solidify his chances at facing Rodtang once more in the famous 4-ounce gloves.