At the pre-fight press conference for ONE Fight Night 6 this past Wednesday, ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong unveiled possibly the company’s boldest tournament to date – the ONE openweight muay Thai world grand prix.
The momentous competition will pit 16 of the world’s best strikers from any weight class against one another, and a jaw-dropping $1 million prize is promised to the victor. The action will surely be intense, and only one fighter will come out on top in the end.
As the news settles in, fans can start pondering about possible tournament entrants. After all, the openweight format will allow strikers who may never have the opportunity to face each other due to weight constraints the chance to now do so.
Three athletes who would undoubtedly provide exciting action if they were to square off in the ONE circle are ONE flyweight muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon, ONE bantamweight muay Thai world champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao and ONE featherweight muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK.Saenchai.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Nong-O Gaiyanghadao
Rodtang, also called “The Iron Man,” is renowned for his tenacity and unshakeable fortitude in the ONE circle. His bold approach to fighting has been a major boon to his success and has helped him stay unbeaten in ONE’s striking disciplines with an impressive 12-0 record.
His resilience and determination have also made him a fan favorite, garnering him a strong base of supporters around the world who would love to see him compete in the upcoming grand prix.
Rodtang would face significant opposition in Nong-O, who is known for his precise striking and impressive finishing rate in ONE. Undefeated so far, the bantamweight muay Thai king would truly test the flyweight superstar’s skills.
Nong-O would enter the bout carrying 10 extra pounds of muscle compared to Rodtang, so he would also throw far more powerful punches than “The Iron Man” is used to.
Tawanchai PK.Saenchai vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon
The featherweight division’s muay Thai titleholder Tawanchai is the heaviest of all three competitors on this list. He moves on his feet with remarkable agility, though, and has demonstrated his prowess in both going the distance and dropping his opponents early throughout his ONE tenure.
From his lightning-fast reflexes to his powerful strikes, he is always ready to take on a challenge.
That may come in the form of Rodtang, when the ONE openweight muay Thai world grand prix kicks off later this year. The 25-year-old is a shining star who has twice won the renowned Omnoi Stadium Championship and, currently, he reigns supreme over ONE’s flyweight muay Thai division.
He is an intimidating presence whenever he steps into the ONE circle, and his arsenal of weapons demands respect. With nearly 300 victories to his name, his vast experience would undeniably serve as an advantage against Tawanchai.
Nong-O Gaiyanghadao vs. Tawanchai PK.Saenchai
It would be truly captivating to witness Nong-O, seven-time ONE bantamweight muay Thai world champion, Lumpinee Stadium world champion, and Rajadamnern Stadium world champion, go up against one of the most exciting strikers on the ONE roster in Tawanchai.
The muay Thai legend never shies away from a challenge, and his mind-blowing 264-54-10 record speaks volumes. Tawanchai’s renowned footwork could prove troublesome, however, despite the icon’s impressive fight IQ.
The 23-year-old PK.Saenchai phenomenon has enthralled audiences with his electrifying fights, boasting a remarkable 75 percent finishing rate, signature techniques, and a skillset that leaves fighters in awe.
His precision and maneuverability make him a force to be reckoned with, and his presence in the ONE circle radiates a confidence and intensity that captivates viewers.
