Team Lakay’s Lito Adiwang shared the excitement of most fans for the hybrid bout between mixed martial arts legend Demetrious Johnson and reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon on Dec. 5.
“I was surprised when I found out about it because we all know what a big deal it is to hear that two of the all-time greats in Rodtang and Demetrious are fighting,” Adiwang said.
It truly is groundbreaking news, with two of the best in their disciplines facing off in a never-before-seen fight setup to celebrate ONE Championship’s 10thanniversary.
Rodtang and Johnson are set to wear four-ounce gloves while splitting the four rounds down the middle. Rounds one and three will be contested in a Muay Thai setup, while rounds two and four will be under the promotion’s global martial arts ruleset.
It’s a first of its kind arrangement that has left the likes of the Filipino intrigued.
“It is first time in history that such a setup will be held. It’s really exciting and I really want to see what will happen between them,” said Adiwang, who is coming off a sensational unanimous decision triumph over Hexigetu at ONE: Revolution.
Pardon Adiwang for feeling giddy talking about this colossal match, which will see the best of both worlds collide in an unconventional setup.
The key for both Rodtang and Johnson is who can capitalize on the rounds geared towards their expertise, according to Adiwang, as he added, “It will depend on who will be the first to impose their will because it will be like a cat-and-mouse match where both of them will try to catch each other.”
Honestly speaking, Adiwang would like to test himself in this innovative match type, as he sees himself thriving should he be matched up against a Muay Thai practitioner.
“It’s not a secret that I like striking, so if there will be rounds that will only be pure striking, like what’s done in Muay Thai fights, I’d really like to be part of that,” he said.
Earlier, Adiwang has called Rodtang out for a super fight match either under the Muay Thai or MMA ruleset. – Harley F. Palangchao
