ONE Championship: Rodtang v Nong-O title fight cancelled after ‘Ironman’ hospitalised
Muay Thai star unwell, forcing cancellation on dramatic day when his opponent – as well as Japan’s Anpo – failed hydration testing, weigh-in
The highly anticipated flyweight Muay Thai world title fight between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Nong-O Hama has been cancelled after Rodtang informed ONE Championship medical staff that he was unwell and was taken to hospital for treatment and evaluation.
The promotion confirmed the news on Friday afternoon in Tokyo, ending hopes of a blockbuster showdown at ONE 173 on Sunday.
The 39-year-old had hoped to inspire a younger generation by showing he could still compete at the highest level late in his career, but those plans have been derailed for now.
Rodtang, who has struggled with weight cuts in the past, passed hydration and made weight on his only attempt, but did so with just minutes remaining before his cut-off. Hours later, however, the reigning fan favourite was withdrawn from the event after reporting that he felt unwell.
“Rodtang has informed ONE medical staff that he is unwell. For the athlete’s health and safety, he has been transported to the hospital and is undergoing treatment and evaluation,” the promotion said in a statement. “The ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title fight between Rodtang and Nong-O has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a future event.”