Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan cannot wait for ONE Championship’s return to live-action, especially since its main and co-main events are both in a sport he loves.
The largest martial arts organization in the world is back at it with ONE: NO SURRENDER on Friday, 31 July, in Bangkok, Thailand, where two Muay Thai World Titles will be at stake.
Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon defends his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title against Petchdam “The Baby Shark” Petchyindee Academy in the main event.
Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy, on the other hand, defends his ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title against “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex in the co-main event.
“I am really excited about it,” Catalan said. “I’m pumped up that ONE is back to live programming and we have great matches.”
Asked about which match-up intrigues him the most, Catalan pointed to the clash between Rodtang and Petchdam.
This will be the third time that “The Iron Man” and “The Baby Shark” will cross paths, making this a fitting wrap-up to what has been a highly competitive rivalry between the two Thais.
The pair met for the first time at Rajadamnern Stadium back in 2017 where Petchdam eked out a decision win. Rodtang evened the score a year later, and now they have a chance to close out their rivalry on the global stage of martial arts.
“The match I look forward to most is the clash between Rodtang and Petchdam. The two faced each other before and Petchdam actually scored a win over Rodtang,” Catalan said.
“With him being the champion here, I am sure he will do everything to defend [his belt].
“I think Rodtang’s aggressiveness will be the key in this match. From their first battle, I believe Rodtang has improved quite tremendously.”
Looking at the second World Title match-up, the Sta. Barbara Iloilo native favors the challenger.
Though Petchmorakot has been on a roll as of late, Catalan thinks Yodsanklai’s physicality will be the key difference in this contest.
“I think he’s the stronger athlete,” Catalan said. “I think I’ll give him a bit of an edge over the champion, but we also cannot discount Petchmorakot because he’s a World Champion for a reason.
“All in all, I just can’t wait for this evening.”
ONE Championship returns to live action with ONE: NO SURRENDER set for Friday, 31 July, in Bangkok, Thailand. Catch it live and for free by downloading the ONE Super App.