Patience, Persistence Pay for Denis Puric

Denis Puric’s ongoing feud with Rodtang Jitmuangnon may not be personal, but professional prizefighters are bound to snap when someone tests their patience long enough.

“The Bosnian Menace” has called out the reigning ONE Championship muay thai flyweight titleholder for the last two years, to no avail. Puric signed with ONE in order to have a chance to face the Thai superstar, and while Rodtang was impressed by the Ontario-based contender, he still passed over Puric repeatedly in order to take fights with more prominent opponents.

Rodtang’s reputation will not keep him away from the Slovenia native any longer, as Puric’s unanimous decision over Jacob Smith in April elevated him to the No. 2 position in the ONE flyweight muay thai rankings. The two men can settle their score when they meet in the ONE 167 co-main event this Friday at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. Kickboxing rules are set to govern the non-title affair.

“I don’t hate Rodtang; he’s one of my favorite fighters,” Puric told Sherdog.com. “I just wanted that fight. I needed that fight. The reason why I’m fighting is to be the best, and yeah, I respect the guy. It’s an honor to share the ring with him.”

Puric’s persistence paid off just in time. At 39, his days of pursuing the best fighters in the world are likely numbered. While he has won high-profile fights in Canada, Thailand, China and various other countries around the world, a victory over Rodtang would represent the highlight of his career. Since he signed with ONE in 2022, Puric has maintained a fan-friendly style that has led to wins over Tagir Khalilov, Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat and the aforementioned Smith. He approaches his long-sought battle against Rodtang with the perspective of a seasoned fighter on the cusp of 40.

“Rodtang likes to come forward and break fighters with his toughness,” Puric said, “but I’m not that guy. I have too much experience. Right now, I’m working on cardio. Cardio, cardio, cardio.”

Puric’s emphasis on being in top shape seems like a wise approach. Rodtang has already stopped proven competitors like Edgar Tabares and Jonathan Haggerty. He tends to march forward and eat his opponent’s best punch, oftentimes with a stoic, borderline bored, look on his face. They call him “The Iron Man” for a reason. Someone would have teeter on the brink of insanity in order to challenge someone with such an extensive track record for violence. Puric embraces the idea and hopes he can be just crazy enough to spring one of the year’s biggest upsets.

“I’ve been waiting for this fight for two years,” he said, “and when you work your ass off for something, you’re hoping to prove a point.”