Rodtang’s journey in the world of Muay Thai has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, marked by thrilling victories and challenging moments. Once reigning as the ONE flyweight Muay Thai champion, his exhilarating fights have set the bar high in kickboxing and Muay Thai. As we await his landmark clash with Takeru at ONE 172, let’s reminisce on the top five battles that have defined the “Iron Man” Rodtang’s striking career.
### 5. Rodtang vs. Sergio Wielzen
When Rodtang made his first appearance in the ring, he went up against the seasoned Sergio Wielzen, a former kickboxing and Muay Thai champion from Suriname. Rodtang showcased an impressive display of his vast skillset during this match. His boxing techniques, coupled with sharp kicks and surprisingly adept trips and throws, underscored his presence on the global martial arts stage. It was a debut that left a remarkable impression on fans and competitors alike.
### 4. Rodtang vs. Yuki Taguchi
Before stepping into the ONE Championship arena, Rodtang was already making waves. In 2018, he faced Yuki Taguchi, a formidable opponent and three-time RISE kickboxing world champion. Displaying a mix of physical prowess and mental acuity, Rodtang took on the relentless Taguchi. He managed to overpower the seasoned champion with his inside boxing skills, even dropping Taguchi twice in the fight’s second half. This standout performance truly highlighted Rodtang’s potential on one of kickboxing’s grandest stages.
### 3. Rodtang vs. Jonathan Haggerty 2
In what many consider Rodtang’s most significant victory, the rematch against Jonathan Haggerty was nothing short of spectacular. Haggerty, after their initial bout, aimed to regain his ONE flyweight Muay Thai title. However, the sequel didn’t go his way. Rodtang dominated this encounter with sheer determination, overwhelming Haggerty and ending the match with brutal body shots in the third round. The victory solidified Rodtang’s claim as the flyweight division’s true champion.
### 2. Rodtang vs. Superlek
Despite not earning a victory, Rodtang’s battle with Superlek demonstrated his fearless spirit. Superlek, a contemporary legend with numerous titles, was a daunting opponent. In their 2023 match, Superlek missed weight, tipping the scales five pounds heavier, which placed Rodtang at a disadvantage. Undeterred, Rodtang charged forward in the opening round, leaving Superlek with significant elbow cuts. Despite suffering a knockdown from Superlek’s powerful elbow, Rodtang rebounded quickly. Although outmatched in the end, Rodtang’s courage against a larger and highly skilled opponent shone through, offering fans a thrilling contest.
### 1. Rodtang vs. Tenshin Nasukawa
The most monumental clash in Rodtang’s career came during his bout with Tenshin Nasukawa. A prodigy in kickboxing and a top-tier boxer today, Tenshin was a tough challenge. At just 19, Rodtang’s grit and relentless pace were on full display. Despite Tenshin’s rapid countering, which had toppled many top fighters, Rodtang endured and retaliated with his own flurry of body shots and kicks. The fight was so close it went into an extra round, with Tenshin slightly edging out Rodtang. Although it wasn’t a victory, this match was pivotal in cementing Rodtang’s reputation. From a rising star to the face of Muay Thai, the journey of Rodtang, the “Iron Man,” is a testament to his enthralling career. Here’s to more exhilarating battles ahead!
