In the build up to their heated flyweight kickboxing clash at ONE 167, ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Denis Puric traded more barbs than you could shake a stick at.
But once the final bell sounded on their maniacal outing this past Friday, June 7, at Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena, and once Rodtang was awarded the unanimous decision, the pair let bygones be bygones.
So much so that the pair put the beef far behind them and “The Iron Man” invited “The Bosnian Menace” for a day out in Bangkok. Sharing the experience on Instagram, Puric said:
“Had a wonderful [time] with Rodtang and his wife’s family today. We played football, talked, drank tea, and shared food. Today was truly one of the best days of my life. Thank you again, brother, for this wonderful experience and hospitality.”
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“I will remember this day for the rest of my life. Today we become brothers for life. Until we meet again my friend, @rodtang_jimungnon.” He captioned the Instagram post.
It was forever a dream of Puric’s to share the ring with the Thai icon. He had been calling out Rodtang ever since he arrived in ONE over two years ago. But never did he imagine he’d go from foe to friend.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon clears the air with former foe Denis Puric
The heat was well and truly in the air before ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon locked horns with Denis Puric.
But once the situation had cooled and the duo slugged it out, “The Iron Man” offered a sincere apology to “The Bosnian Menace.”
“First of all I want to apologize to my opponent for not being able to make weight and I have to admit he is a very good fighter, and that’s another story. Before I fought, I encountered a serious problem in my life,” Rodtang said.
“I was very discouraged. I asked myself if I should go fight, but I thought of everyone who loves me, so I endured to fight today while resting from my injury.”
“Thank you to everyone who loves and supports me. See you in the next fight. @bosnian_menace.”
Many fans viewed ONE 167’s mighty clash as their favorite fight of the night. Rodtang could be back in action later this year against Japanese kickboxing sensation Takeru Segawa, whereas Puric has many possible matchups, including a potential rematch with Jacob Smith.