Chatri Sityodtong has announced the lineup for a flyweight Muay Thai Grand Prix. The ONE Championship CEO confirmed the date and matchups for the first round of the tournament which will feature the likes of Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Jonathan Haggerty:
Different format
The matchups have already been confirmed for the May 20th card. Rodtang, who is the reigning flyweight Muay Thai champion, faces Jacob Smith in the opening round while former champion Haggerty has been matched with Walter Goncalves.
In the past ONE Championship has handed a title shot to Grand Prix winners but the reigning champions in the division have been omitted from tournaments. That is not the case here with Rodtang set for a series of non title fights.
Superlek has been matched with Taiki Naito while Savvas Michael takes on Amir Naseri. Should Rodtang be eliminated from the tournament at any stage the winner will automatically get a title shot against him.
Tournament favourites
Superlek and Rodtang will go into the tournament as the favourites. They have fought on the same shows and events numerous times in Bangkok but have never previously faced one another.
Rodtang does have two wins over Haggerty and remains the only fighter to have ever beaten the Englishman on a ONE Championship card. Superlek also holds a stoppage victory over ‘The General’ from an event in 2018.
The show does not have a venue or a title but it looks likely to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium which has hosted all ONE Championship’s recent cards. Davit Kiria also hinted recently that he would be competing on this date.
ONE TBA, TBA, May 20th
Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Jacob Smith (Flyweight Grand Prix 1/4 Final)
Jonathan Haggerty vs. Walter Goncalves (Flyweight Grand Prix 1/4 Final)
Superlek Kiatmoo9 vs. Taiki Naito (Flyweight Grand Prix 1/4 Final)
Savvas Michael vs. Amir Naseri (Flyweight Grand Prix 1/4 Final)
