Takeru vs. Rodtang Fight Builds Hype
International MMA excitement is building for Takeru vs. Rodtang, with fans securing tickets for what could be Takeru's final bout. Warnings have been issued against Rodtang missing weight for the highly anticipated matchup. The fight represents a significant crossover between different combat sports disciplines and fighting styles.
This highly anticipated kickboxing super-fight is scheduled as the main event for ONE 172 at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on March 23, 2025. The matchup represents a collision between two of the biggest stars in their respective disciplines, with Takeru being a former three-division K-1 champion and Rodtang a former long-reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion. This isn't the first time the two striking titans were slated to meet. They were originally booked to headline ONE 165 in January 2024, but Rodtang was forced to withdraw due to an injury. Takeru instead faced ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9, losing by unanimous decision. For the 34-year-old Takeru, this bout carries the weight of being his potential final fight before retirement. He had previously stated that two consecutive losses would signal the end of his career, a threshold he technically met with defeats to Superlek and a prior knockout loss to Rodtang at ONE 172 in March. After a recent victory, Takeru is seeking this rematch to "finish in my best condition." Rodtang "The Iron Man" Jitmuangnon has had his own share of recent struggles, notably with making weight. He was stripped of his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai title in November 2024 after failing to make the 135-pound limit. He has missed weight for multiple bouts in his ONE Championship career.
