ONE Championship
A year after their first booking collapsed, two Thai icons finally shared the ring. The 40-year-old veteran left with his hand raised.
Nong-O Hama defeated Rodtang Jitmuangnon by unanimous decision in a ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinal at The Inner Circle 38 on Friday, November 13. The main event took place at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The pair were originally scheduled to contest the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 173 last November. Rodtang withdrew after feeling unwell, while Nong-O failed hydration.
Round one was even, with Rodtang attacking the body and Nong-O firing kicks from both sides. Rodtang pushed the pace early in the second, but Nong-O landed an elbow before a high left kick dropped “The Iron Man.”
Rodtang beat the count but spent the final round searching for a finish. Nong-O used the clinch to slow him down and secure the decision.
The Evolve MMA and Superbon Training Camp veteran improved to 269-59 and advanced to the Grand Prix semifinals. It was also a rare loss for Rodtang, one of the most popular stars in Muay Thai.
The result reshapes the tournament picture. Nong-O now moves one step closer to the silver belt and the undisputed ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
Undercard winners join Nong-O Hama at Lumpinee
PTT Apichart Farm recovered from a Hamza Rachid high kick to knock out the Moroccan at 2:37 of round one, improving to 115-25. Lenny Blasi dropped Adam Benwarwar with a body hook in round one and cruised to a unanimous decision, moving the 22-year-old Italian to 33-8.
Songpandin Chor Kaewwiset edged Petubon Jitmuangnon by split decision for his fourth straight win, lifting the 19-year-old Laotian to 44-13. Banluelok Sitwatcharachai and debutant Mya Lone Chaw traded first-round knockdowns before Banluelok ended it with a counter left at 1:04 of round two, improving to 92-22.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
