For one Thai fighter, walking away was never really an option. The pull of the ring, and the people it provides for, brought him right back.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon has officially re-signed with ONE Championship, ending months of speculation about his future in the sport. The news came from a press conference at Jitmuangnon Gym in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on July 23, his birthday.

Rodtang made his promotional debut in 2018 and wasted no time announcing himself as a force the flyweight Muay Thai division had never seen before. After four consecutive victories, he earned a shot at then-champion Jonathan Haggerty in 2019 and outclassed the British star to claim the gold.

The former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion built the greatest reign the division has ever seen from there, only to lose the title in 2024 after missing weight ahead of a defense against Jacob Smith.

He answered by demolishing Takeru Segawa in 80 seconds at ONE 172 in March 2025, before Segawa reversed the result at ONE SAMURAI 1 earlier this year, stopping Rodtang in the fifth round to claim the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon eyes a path back to gold

Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s announcement brought together key figures from both sides of his career, a signal of how significant his return is considered within the organization. Moreover, his manager Sorapong Jitsuntorn joined ONE Championship Thailand President Jitinat Asdamongkol at the gym where his legend began.

Gym owners Somjit Waenkaew and Suntaree Lohaphak rounded out the group, tying the announcement directly back to the Jitmuangnon camp that shaped him. Rodtang now returns to the promotion determined to reclaim a title he believes he never lost in the ring.

“I don’t think any other career could have given me the recognition and ability to provide for my family the way being a fighter has,” Rodtang said.

“I’ll keep giving it my all until I no longer have the strength to fight.”