Rodtang Withdraws from ONE 173 Title Fight Due to Illness

Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion, has withdrawn from his scheduled title fight against Nong-O Gaiyanghadao at ONE 173 in Tokyo, forcing the cancellation of the highly anticipated matchup just days before the event. The bout, set for Sunday at Ariake Arena, was meant to crown a new champion in the vacant 125-pound division.

Rodtang successfully made weight and passed hydration tests during Saturday's official weigh-ins, but hours later, he reported feeling unwell to ONE Championship medical staff. He was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation, prioritizing his health and safety. ONE officials confirmed the withdrawal on Friday afternoon local time, stating that the fight would be rescheduled for a future event. "Rodtang has informed ONE medical staff that he is unwell," the promotion said in a statement. "For the athlete's health and safety, he has been transported to the hospital and is undergoing treatment and evaluation."

The cancellation came amid other weigh-in complications. Nong-O, a 39-year-old former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai champion who recently moved down to flyweight, failed hydration testing on...