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ONE 167: Rodtang Promises Denis Puric “Hell on Earth” in Kickboxing Showdown

For as long as ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon has been a top name in ONE Championship, every flyweight fighter under the sun has wanted the Rodtang rub.

Amongst those, Denis Puric has consistently called out the Thai megastar on social media and in post-fight interviews. At ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Saturday, 8 June, Rodtang grants "The Bosnian Menace" his wish under kickboxing rules, believing the veteran striker's resume warrants it.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon

"I have known Denis Puric for a long time. Since he first joined ONE, he has been calling for me from the beginning. Thank you for always thinking of me," Rodtang said.

"He is very good. He beat Tagir Khalilov and Jacob Smith, so I think he deserves to face me. In his fight with Yodlekpet, I could see this guy is a veteran fighter, and he is more than ready to fight me."

The return of Rodtang on home soil inside Bangkok, Thailand's Impact Arena has "The Iron Man" just as excited as combat sports fans around the world. The 26-year-old views Puric and his momentum as a stern assignment for his first bout since September 2023.

Rodtang has faced a litany of injuries since colliding with ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE Friday Fights 34 last year, but he believes the Bosnian veteran's pressuring approach will bring out the best in him.

However, the flyweight Muay Thai king has spotted weakness in the 39-year-old's body as well as his gas tank. So once Puric's begins to decelerate, "The Iron Man" plans to make Puric's dream fight a living nightmare.

"Denis' strengths are that he can get in and out quickly. And he is a heavy hitter, good at countering with punches, kicks, and knees. His weakness is that he seems to run out of gas at the end of the round. And his weak body will be a good target for me," Rodtang said.

"Let's see how it goes in the ring. I'm glad you think that I'm no match for you. Thank you for calling me out. See you on June [8], when you will know what hell on earth is."

Story first published: Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 9:05 [IST]
Other articles published on May 29, 2024
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