BANGKOK – In a dramatic turn of events that has captivated the combat sports world, Thai Muay Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon and ONE Championship have officially buried the hatchet. The bitter legal dispute, which at one point threatened to derail the biggest fight in Japanese kickboxing history, reached a formal settlement this past Sunday.
The agreement clears the way for “The Iron Man” to headline the inaugural ONE Samurai 1 event at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on April 29, 2024. Rodtang will face Japanese icon Takeru Segawa in a highly anticipated rematch for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.
From Legal Blows to a Handshake Deal With Rodtang
Only days ago, the situation looked bleak. Rodtang and ONE Championship were locked in a public and “radioactive” legal battle involving claims of contract breaches and disputes over signature authenticity. The promotion had reportedly sought damages in the millions of dollars, while Rodtang’s legal team questioned the validity of his current agreements.
However, after a series of high-stakes meetings in Bangkok involving ONE Thailand President Jitinat Asdamongkol and the Jitmuangnon Gym leadership, a resolution was reached. While the specific financial terms of the settlement remain confidential, the outcome is clear: Rodtang remains a cornerstone of the ONE roster.
“I am an athlete; I want to fight only in the ring,” Rodtang told reporters during a recent press conference at his home. “I have great respect for Chatri Sityodtong [ONE Chairman and CEO], and I am ready to bring victory back to the Thai people.”
The Stakes: A Legend’s Final Bow
The settlement is a massive win for fans, as the April 29 bout is much more than just a title fight. For Takeru Segawa, a former three-division K-1 champion, this rematch serves as the final fight of his legendary career.
Takeru is seeking redemption after a shocking 80-second knockout loss to Rodtang in March 2025. By choosing the Thai powerhouse as his retirement opponent, Takeru has set the stage for a “storybook” ending—or a brutal repeat of history.
What to expect at ONE Samurai 1:
- A Five-Round War: The fight is scheduled for five rounds under kickboxing rules.
- Interim Gold: The winner will walk away with the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.
- Hostile Territory: Rodtang enters the Ariake Arena as the “spoiler” in front of a partisan Japanese crowd.
- Technical Brilliance vs. Iron Will: Fans will see Takeru’s surgical precision tested against Rodtang’s legendary “iron chin” and relentless forward pressure.
Why This Settlement Matters for Thai Sports
The resolution of this dispute is a relief for the Thai sports industry. Rodtang is arguably the most famous Muay Thai fighter on the planet today. According to reports from the Bangkok Post, Rodtang has earned over 70 million baht (approx. $2.2 million) over the last four years, making him the highest-paid Thai athlete on the ONE roster.
Ensuring his participation in global events like ONE Samurai 1 is crucial for maintaining the international profile of Thailand’s national sport.
The event will broadcast live from Tokyo on Wednesday, April 29. With the legal clouds finally cleared, the focus returns to where it belongs: the elite martial arts skills of two of the greatest strikers to ever step into a ring.
For more updates on the fight card and official statements, you can visit the ONE Championship official news site.
Related News:
UFC 327 Live Results: Procházka and Ulberg Battle for Gold
ONE Championship Sues Rodtang Two Weeks Before Takeru Rematch
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and Muay Thai Training Explained
