ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament Champion Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym is entering the toughest test of his career.
Rodlek will challenge Thai countryman and reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao in the co-main event of ONE: COLLISION COURSE, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore this Friday, 18 December.
Rodlek has prepared himself well and considers himself fully ready to take on one of Muay Thai’s most dominant world champions.
“For this fight, I need to be tougher than ever before, and I need to go in there with a good game plan. This fight with Nong-O, one of the best Muay Thai athletes in Thailand, is not going to be easy,” said Rodlek.
“He is very good, especially with his punches. He has great boxing. I need to be careful with that. He also has some very powerful kicks.”
Against Nong-O, Rodlek faces an absolute force of will. Nong-O is a living legend in the sport. He is a two-time Thailand national Muay Thai champion, a multiple-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion across different divisions, and a Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion.
Nong-O’s reputation certainly precedes him, and Rodlek is well aware of his countryman’s best skills. However, Rodlek also believes Nong-O may be a little rusty, having not defended his title in over a year.
The PK.Saenchai Muay Thai Gym representative says he’s going to try and start fast, and not let Nong-O regain his rhythm.
“I’m working on my power, because that’s what it’s going to take to win. I’m working hard with my team on crafting the right game plan. I need to know how to fight him, how to break his defense. I need to know how to handle his attacks,” said Rodlek.
“Nong-O is faster than me. Speed is his advantage. But I think I’m sharper right now. I just fought a few months ago, while he hasn’t competed for a long period. I’m also slightly younger than he is.”
ONE: COLLISION COURSE is ONE Championship’s final live event of the year. The stacked card features a main event showdown between ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia of the Ukraine and challenger Andrei “Mister KO” Stoica of Romania.
Ahead what is considered the toughest test of his career, Rodlek promises all-out action and to bring the fight right to the champion. While he can’t predict exactly what will happen in the fight, he’s hopeful he can catch Nong-O with something big, and bring home the most prestigious title in the sport.
“I can’t say how this fight will go. He can finish me or I can finish him. It’s 50-50. This is Muay Thai and anything can happen. All I can promise to do is to try my best to bring out all of my weapons and walk towards him to trade,” Rodlek concluded.
