Four months ago, Thailand’s biggest combat sports star declared himself a free agent and accused ONE Championship of forging his signature. This week, he apologized for all of it.
The dispute began in April, when Rodtang Jitmuangnon declared his ONE contract expired and opened the door to offers from other promotions. Reports soon surfaced of a 12-month matching clause in his prior deal, setting the stage for months of conflict.
Rodtang then alleged his signature had been forged on contractual documents. He said he had taken the matter to police, though no formal complaint against ONE was ultimately filed. ONE rejected the forgery claim and filed legal action in Thailand, Japan, and Singapore, with the Thai case alone seeking damages of up to 542 million baht.
An early press conference allowed his rematch with Takeru Segawa to proceed at ONE Samurai 1. There, Rodtang suffered his first knockout loss in 13 years. A gradual path toward reconciliation followed. It was driven by discussions between Chatri Sityodtong, Jitmuangnon Gym owner Somjit Waenkaew, and other senior figures on both sides.
“ONE has always paid me more than the amounts stated in my contracts. Not a single person within ONE forged my signature,” Rodtang wrote.
“I sincerely apologise to Timo Ruge, a member of ONE’s matchmaking team, for the misunderstanding that occurred.”
Rodtang Jitmuangnon rebuilds ties with Jitmuangnon Gym
Rodtang Jitmuangnon signed a new agreement with ONE five days after appearing at The Inner Circle 22. There, he embraced Takeru Segawa in the ring. He is expected to train under Jitmuangnon Gym owner Somjit Waenkaew going forward.
His stated goal remains reclaiming the flyweight Muay Thai title now held by Asadula Imangazaliev.
“I would like to express my sincere regret and apologise to P’Chatri from the bottom of my heart for any damage or impact I may have caused ONE, especially during the past several months,” Rodtang wrote.
“The best way to prove my sincerity is to come back and win the world championship again, bringing honour and pride to Thailand and Jitmuangnon Gym.”
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
