This Friday, September 22, “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 will challenge ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion “The Iron Man” Rodtang Jitmuangnon in one of the biggest modern-day matchups in the history of the sport.
Superlek is already the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion, so he’s no stranger to these enormous occasions. Now, he can become a two-sport king and prove he’s the planet’s most potent flyweight striker at ONE Friday Fights 34 in Asia primetime.
Although he currently sits atop the kickboxing throne, Superlek originally built his career in “the art of eight limbs” and is regarded as one of his era’s greats.
The former two-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion could further cement that status by taking Rodtang’s gold inside the same iconic venue in Bangkok, Thailand.
The #1-ranked contender said of his upcoming World Champion vs. World Champion clash:
“I want this belt so badly because Muay Thai is part of my life. I started my career as a Muay Thai fighter. I want this belt to honor my history. Two ONE Championship belts would prove my success and dominance in the striking world. That’s why I want to become the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion.
“I want to be the best here. However, I will not underestimate my opponent because Rodtang is number one in the flyweight Muay Thai division right now. I have to give it my all to beat him and take his place.”
Fans have been clamoring to see Superlek vs. Rodtang for years, and their paths have finally converged.
For his part, the Kiatmoo9 Gym representative is aware of the huge anticipation surrounding their matchup, and he plans on delivering a battle worthy of the buildup against his fellow Thai superstar.
He said:
“I will do my best to make this fight live up to the hype. No matter if I win or lose, or if I knock him out or get knocked out, I want everyone to remember me as the one who tried my best to give you the best performance.
“I put my heart into every fight. But this fight is so special because it’s a World Championship fight, so my determination goes up to more than 100 percent.”
Superlek: ‘You Might See Rodtang Going Backward For The First Time’
The ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title showdown between Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Rodtang Jitmuangnon presents an intriguing clash of styles.
While both men are firmly established as top pound-for-pound strikers, they utilize different – but equally fascinating – tactics to achieve success.
Superlek has been known primarily as a heavy-kicking technician, while Rodtang is an all-action slugger. However, both athletes have also shown their abilities to switch things up – something “The Kicking Machine” is prepared to do this Friday:
“Rodtang has a lot of his strengths. He is tough and aggressive. I tried to study him for his weaknesses, but I can’t find any yet. I think he will have a few, but I can’t tell you right now. Let’s find out in the ring.
“I saw some comments on social media saying that Rodtang has more advantages because he is a heavy hitter and we will fight in small [4-ounce] gloves, but for me, we have a 50-50 chance to get the knockout or get knocked out. And I still believe that my punches are not weaker than his.
“On this day, fans might see me walking toward Rodtang instead, and you might see Rodtang going backward for the first time.”
Another interesting element will be the test of durability.
Rodtang’s chin is arguably his most famous asset, but Superlek has never been stopped in his long and illustrious Muay Thai career. Plus, “The Kicking Machine” has started to show more finishing power than ever before with knockout wins in his last three fights.
So, while many are focused on “The Iron Man’s” famed resilience, Superlek thinks they’ll both come well-equipped in that area – and he believes there could be some surprises on fight night.
He added:
“Even if your chin is hard as iron, if you are attacked at a vulnerable point, you can be knocked down. It depends on how much toughness and guts he has.
“I have never been knocked out before either. Let’s see how hard he can hit me and if I can take it.”
