“I was a normal kid” – ‘GOAT’ of Football Lionel Messi gifts ONE Championship superstar fighter Rodtang with precious signed jersey

Lionel Messi sends a signed jersey to Muay Thai legend Rodtang Jitmuangnon, sparking gratitude and hopes for a future encounter. Rodtang recently faced Superlek Kiatmuu9 and Demetrious Johnson in notable bouts.

“I was a normal kid” – ‘GOAT’ of Football Lionel Messi gifts ONE Championship superstar fighter Rodtang with precious signed jersey

Rodtang thanks messi for the jersey (Imahe via: X/We are Messi, MMA Mania, Instagram/Rodtang)

Rodtang Jitmuangnon is one of the best Muay Thai fighters ever. Recently, the GOAT of football, Lionel Messi, sent a signed jersey to Rodtang as a sign of respect. Rodtang was very pleased with the gift and thanked the living legend of football. Messi and Rodtang have not met before, and Rodtang is certainly hoping to showcase his talent in front of the genius football player.

Rodtang took it to Instagram to thank Messi for the gift. On his Instagram, he posted a picture of the jersey. He also provided a caption for the picture. This is what he wrote as a caption:

I was a normal kid who didn't think he would give me this. I hope you like my battle. And someday we will meet And thank you brother for helping me.
Rodtang Jitmuagnon via Instagram.
YouTube video

Messi is not the only footballer associated with combat sports athletes. Moreover, Messi’s rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, is acquainted with Conor McGregor, Francis Ngannou, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Furthermore, Ronaldo’s and Messi’s former teammate at Real Madrid and PSG, respectively, Sergio Ramos, is good friends with UFC featherweight contender Ilia Topuria. Nevertheless, Rodtang and Messi now share a close bond because of the jersey.

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Superlek Kiatmuu9 recently defeated Rodtang. The bout was closely contested, but Superlek edged out a decision. It was a bout between One’s kickboxing and Muay Thai flyweight champions. However, Superlek missed weight and thus was ineligible to claim the title. This was not the only Superfight that Rodtang was a part of. He famously fought Demetrious Johson in a mixed-rules fight. It did not go his way, as Johnson secured a second-round submission en route to victory.

Ilia Topuria remembers when Sergio Ramos got acquainted with him

Sergio Ramos was cage-side to support compatriot Ilia Topuria in his fight against Josh Emmet. Topuria would outclass Emmet to earn a number contender spot in the UFC’s featherweight division. Moreover, Ramos was seen ecstaticly watching Topuria’s masterclass performance.

Sergio Ramos watching Ilia Topuria vs Josh Emmet
Sergio Ramos watching Ilia Topuria vs Josh Emmet (Image via X/MMA Fighting)

After the bout against Emmet, Topuria gave an interview with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour. There he delved into how to get acquainted with Ramos, the credentialled football defender. This is what he said.

One year ago or something like that, he texted me after one of my fights.
Ilia Topuria on the MMA Hour.

Topuria was set to face Alexander Volkanovski in January 2024. This was before Volkanovski accepted a short-notice fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. Moreover, the 2024 January PPV, UFC 297, will be in Vancouver, Canada. There are also rumors swirling of an interim featherweight title fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria for the event. As MMA becomes more popular, more football superstars will forge friendships with an elite fighter.

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