It‘s all about respect. If not familiar with one or both fighters: Google. It’s worth the effort. In their own backyards it can’t get any better. ONE is a funny fighting organization located in Singapore and is famous for this „let’s just find out who’s better“ attitude that made the UFC huge in the 1990s.
Rodtang was about 170-1 coming into this fight, Training since age 4, without any doubt the most dangerous Muay Thai fighter ever. Mighty Mouse Johnson is a legend in MMA, defended his UFC title about 16 times and might be one of the most versatile MMA fighters in the world. Of course money was an argument but the idea: First round Muay Thai rules (no clinching, it would have ended it within seconds, seriously), second MMA rules is amazing. Mighty Mouse is not familiar with fear and Rodtang is Rodtang. So they really set up a contract.
He must have known that he would loose this thing if he couldn’t knock Mighty Mouse out in the first round. Chances where close to zero. Maybe it was really a challenge. Mighty Mouse on the other hand was aware that this guy could kick his liver and end the fight this way or land a single hook and send him to the canvas after eating 25 hard shots in the face. It’s pretty cool that this fight really happened!
My favorite scene: The slow movement of Rodtangs left arm the moment he passes out. Of course he didn’t tap! This is not an option in Muay Thai! This is not an option if you’re Rodtang. Most guys I know do not dare to look into my eyes straight. Or they lower their eyes after seconds. They are scared and that’s ok. But Rodtang? He didn’t care about loosing literally everything! I have so much respect for this guy, it’s really hard to express.