“The Iron Man”, who had held the belt for over five years, passed a hydration test on his first attempt at Thursday’s (Nov 8) official weigh-ins in Bangkok, but came in heavy at 135.5lbs.
He returned later in the official three-hour window but failed hydration on his second attempt, and declined to check his weight, reports the Bangkok Post.
The 27-year-old Thai - who has missed weight multiple times during his career in ONE, including his most recent fight in June - was left in tears outside the weigh-in room at the host Best Western Plus Wanda Grand hotel.
Saturday’s co-main event still went ahead at Lumpinee Stadium with Rodtang easing to a unanimous decision win against Jacob Smith, who was still eligible to win the now vacant flyweight Muay Thai title.
“I feel sad that I lost the belt on the scale. But I will continue, and get that belt back, and return to my throne soon,” Rodtang said.
The blunder had drawn fierce criticism from fans on social media, but the 27-year-old turned on the charm during a dominant display against Smith, to start winning some of them back over, at least.
After a hug from his mother on his way to the ring, Rodtang went through his whole repertoire of tricks – smiling and dancing, dropping his hands and goading Smith to take his best shot, and even kissing referee Olivier Coste on the cheek after being admonished for an infraction, which the crowd happily lapped up.
There was a skirmish after the fight when Takeru ran into the ring to confront Rodtang.
The two rivals butted heads before Takeru – who had watched the fight from ringside – quickly departed, suggesting their long-awaited fight will finally take place early next year.
“I want to face Takeru,” said backstage during the post fight press conference.
“Yes, I almost started another match right there in the ring, and I think that it is time now that I have to face Takeru.
“I think this is the fight everybody is expecting, and hopefully Khun Chatri [Sityodtong] will give me this fight soon.”
Takeru said he is confident of victory – and another knockout – after registering his first finish in ONE in September.
The pair had enjoyed a staredown in the ring then, too, after Takeru climbed off the canvas to defeat Myanmar’s Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81 in the same stadium.