ONE on TNT IV Media Day: Chatri Sityodtong on Muay Thai + Lethwei
ONE on TNT IV Media Day went down last night ahead of the huge card on Wednesday, April 28th. The stacked martial arts event emanates from Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Both the lead and main cards feature compelling bouts with a myriad of combatants taking part in media Q&A ahead of their respective bouts. I spoke with promotional figurehead Chatri Sityodtong during his virtual video session.
ONE on TNT IV Media Day
I was just curious because anecdotally some of the newer fans to the ONE Championship product that I’ve been showing these ONE on TNT shows to, Oumar Kane has really resonated with them. They really enjoy watching Reug Reug get out there.
I’m curious from your perspective though, who’s been a breakthrough star with the North American crowd through this ONE on TNT series so far?
“Well I think from social media buzz if you will, I think people were really surprised by Rodtang (Jitmuangnon). Our Muay Thai world champion. People were really super blown away by that fight. I think also Adriano Moraes. DJ was a -850 favorite and people just don’t know, especially the top guys in each division, at ONE Championship can beat the best in the world. I genuinely believe we have the best athlete roster in the world.”
Chatri Sityodtong
I mean you mentioned Rodtang there and it seems like the Muay Thai in the 4oz gloves has been a really prominent staple through this ONE on TNT series so far. To that point, can you talk about the Muay Thai bout that’s set for this card coming up here with ONE on TNT IV?
“Jackie (Buntan) versus Ekaterina (Vandaryeva) is going to be an incredible fight. These are two world-class strikers. Actually, I think Ekaterina has a few WBC or WMC world titles under her belt. So it’s going to be an explosive finish, I predict. That’s the thing. If you love striking in MMA, that’s essentially what Muay Thai in four-ounce gloves is. It’s pure striking, pure artistry, and the finish rates are just insane in ONE super series.”
You’re talking about the striking disciplines, what would be ONE’s interest level in say promoting a high-level Lethwei fight?
“So we have in the past in our prelims. But again, it’s something that we still are not 100% sure of yet in terms of the product. In many countries, headbutts still isn’t that acceptable. But at the same time, I love Myanmar and obviously I love Lethwei. Which is the martial art from Myanmar and it’s truly an incredible martial art. But again, I’m sure we will showcase more Lethwei fights in the future. But it’s just not right now on the cards for the near term.”
