Nong-O Hama says rivalry with Rodtang is only in the ring: “I think it’s the nature of everyone in any sport”

Former longtime ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Hama says his rivalry with ‘The Iron Man’ Rodtang Jitmuangnon will stay in the ring. Outside of it, the two are close friends.

Speaking to South China Morning Post in a recent interview, Nong-O talked about his upcoming matchup with the Thai megastar, and says competing against each other in the ring is what martial arts is all about.

The Hama Muay Thai representative said:

“I think it’s the nature of everyone in any sport. You are in a competition, but outside of the competition, you are friends. But when it comes to Muay Thai or martial arts, I think it’s more aggressive when outsiders see it.”

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Nong-O added:

“So I think people are more like ‘Oh you guys kick and punch, but you guys are friends.’ But I think everyone in the sport, or any sport, can enjoy this kind of a relationship.”

Check out the full interview below:

Needless to say, fans will be glued to their television screens when Nong-O Hama and Rodtang Jitmuangnon go to war this weekend. Fans won’t have to wait too long to see these two Thai icons in the Circle together.

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Nong-O Hama and Rodtang Jitmuangnon battle for vacant flyweight Muay Thai throne at ONE 173 in Tokyo

Nong-O Hama is set to do battle with ‘The Iron Man’ Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the vacant ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship – a belt Rodtang himself previously held.

The two lock horns at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which will go down live on Sunday, Nov. 16, from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri are available here. Fans in the United States and Canada can catch the action live via pay-per-view on live.onefc.com. Visit ONE Championship’s official website for more information on how to watch from your location.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding this explosive matchup.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

Edited by Aziel Karthak