Muay Thai star Rodtang Jitmuangnon addressed the media at his home in Chachoengsao on April 18, responding to an ongoing legal dispute with ONE Championship after the promotion filed a 542 million baht lawsuit in Thailand.
The case centres on alleged breach of contract and defamation, with the organisation stating the action is intended to safeguard its brand. Proceedings in Japan and Singapore have yet to be included in the claim.
Rodtang’s legal representatives said the case is now under judicial consideration and declined to discuss specific details, citing respect for court procedures.
However, they stated they possess clear and sufficient evidence to present in court, ensuring all aspects of the dispute can be fully examined.
Regarding Rodtang’s scheduled bout in Japan on April 29, 2026, his team affirmed that he remains prepared to travel and compete as planned.
At the same time, his lawyers confirmed they are in communication with ONE Championship’s legal team, seeking delivery of the fully executed original contract signed in accordance with company standards in 2022.
They noted that Rodtang’s camp has yet to receive that completed document and believes it may not be legally binding.
According to the statement, Rodtang has only been provided with a copy of a contract he signed in November 2025, which bears solely his signature and not that of an authorised director from ONE Championship.
His legal team said this raises significant concerns, as the absence of a counter-signature could render the agreement legally unenforceable.
They added that such a situation may also have implications for legal protection in the event of an accident or any incident arising during competition or work.
Rodtang’s lawyers said they have formally requested that ONE Championship provide a complete and properly executed original contract by today.
They also referred to correspondence from ONE Championship’s legal team in Singapore, which included the statement: “…your contract with ONE should be treated as frozen…”.
Rodtang’s representatives said this suggests the contract may be temporarily suspended due to legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.
They added that this wording could also be interpreted as indicating that Rodtang’s scheduled fight in Japan on April 29, 2026 has effectively been put on hold.
However, they said they are now seeking formal clarification from ONE’s legal team in Singapore on whether Rodtang is still permitted to compete under such conditions, in order to avoid affecting the rights of any party involved.
Rodtang’s camp also dismissed speculation that he intends to leave the organisation in pursuit of more favourable financial terms elsewhere.
They said that prior to the expiration of the 2022 contract in March 2026, Rodtang’s legal team had been in ongoing discussions with ONE Championship since January to negotiate improved terms.
Those discussions included a meeting in late February 2026 involving ONE executives, Rodtang and his legal representatives to address contractual matters.
Despite this, Rodtang’s side said it has yet to receive a draft of any new agreement from the promotion, which they argue reflects his intention to continue the relationship in good faith.
Rodtang said: “I never received back the contract I signed in 2022. I asked for it many times, which made us feel something was unusual, because I have always respected ONE.”
“It was only towards the end of 2025 that I finally got it, but even then there was no signature from a ONE executive on it,” he added.
“I still have a good friendship with them. I have always been a good kid and I am ready to negotiate. I have no plans to move to another organisation because I still respect ONE. I’m still ready to fight, do my duty and bring victories back for the Thai people.”
“I still haven’t spoken to P’Chatri. I confirm I have no problem with him. I still love and respect him as always. I just want to protect my own rights. I do not want to fight with P’Chatri. He is the man who made my life better.”
“I’m always at home. P’Chatri can come and see me any time, or I can go and see him. Even at this point, I still have no intention of running away from ONE.”
