“This fight is going to be really entertaining”

Nong-O Hama believes his iconic all-Thai superfight alongside Rodtang Jitmuangnon will produce fireworks in Tokyo, Japan.

The 38-year-old Thai legend takes on “The Iron Man” for the vacant ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title. Their scheduled five-round showdown is one of several exciting barnburners that will take place at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.

In an exclusive interview with ONE Championshipthe former long-time ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion shared what makes this clash an absolute must-see at ONE 173.

“From my point of view, I have experienced so many wars. I am very experienced. Rodtang is a famous star who is hungry for victory. When experience is against hunger, I am sure this fight will be really entertaining,” Nong-O said.

The veteran's assessment perfectly captures the essence of the match. Nong-O wrote his name in Muay Thai history by conquering the best of the best from different generations.

Rodtang, on the other hand, has dominated almost every opponent since joining the world's largest martial arts organization. This Thai star has now cemented his status as one of the most iconic names in “The Art of Eight Limbs”.

The stakes couldn't be higher for both men as they cross paths with 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold on the line in “The Land of the Rising Sun.”

Unfortunately, only one can come out on top with victory. Will it be Nong-O or Rodtang who leaves the hall as the new king of flyweight Muay Thai?

Check out the full ONE 173 map here:

Jonathan Haggerty shares his prediction for Rodtang vs. Nong-O

In a separate interview with the South China Morning Post, ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Haggerty gave his views on this highly anticipated world title.

The Knowlesy Academy and Team Underground martial artist, who competes on the same card against Nabil Anane in a ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title match, shared:

“Ah, that's a tough one. Like my dad said, Nong-O is a bigger version of Rodtang. That's what he said. He said that when I didn't beat him. So now that Nong-O's been beaten, I just can't see him surpassing Rodtang.”

“The General” goes into his matchup against Anane hot on the heels of his three-round striking clinic against “Demon Blade” Wei Rui at ONE 171: Qatar last February.

Anane, meanwhile, has remained undefeated in her last eight outings with the world's largest martial arts organization.

Team Mehdi Zatout, 21, won the division's interim crown at ONE 170 in January, and he was elevated to undisputed king of the division in June.

ONE 173 features 16 compelling matchups in MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing and submission grappling.

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Blackened are available here. Meanwhile, fans around the world can visit watch.onefc.com for viewing options in their region.