Bangkok Post

Enticing Superlek-Rodtang clash could be on the cards

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Superlek Kiatmoo9 has finally become a ONE world champion, and fans could very well see him face one of the most exciting Muay Thai fighters later this year.

“The Kicking Machine” defeated Daniel Puertas for the vacant ONE flyweight kickboxing world championsh­ip at ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon v Allazov on Jan 14. The Thai superstar earned a unanimous nod after five merciless rounds at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

After conquering the toughest challenges presented by the flyweight roster, the 27-year-old world champion now faces a new set of formidable opponents in his quest to defend his strap. ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangno­n could be one such competitor, and this is a fight that fans have been waiting to see for years.

After their respective victorious performanc­es at ONE Fight Night 6, topranked kickboxing contender “The Iron Man” and Superlek embraced in celebratio­n.

However, if the two ever faced off in the circle, it would make for an intriguing match-up, considerin­g Rodtang’s relentless pressure and powerful combinatio­n strikes — all of which helped him defeat Jiduo Yibu on the same night that Superlek won the belt.

The new flyweight kickboxing world champion in Superlek has a distinct approach to fighting compared to his 25-year-old compatriot. His style is based on fighting off the back foot, using angles to land strikes, and launching heavy right kicks.

This fighting style enabled him to not only secure the flyweight belt, but also defeat renowned contenders such as Panpayak Jitmuangno­n and Taiki Naito.

Both fighters boast impressive standup records well into the hundreds and have earned prestigiou­s accolades.

Along with being ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion, Rodtang has 270 wins and holds esteemed titles at Omnoi and Rajadamner­n stadiums. Superlek boasts over 130 victories and is a two-time Lumpinee Stadium world champion.

The combinatio­n of their impressive skills and unwavering perseveran­ce has earned them a global fan base. A matchup between the two would be one of the most thrilling fights ever to take place in the ONE Circle.

Meanwhile, ONE is back in Thailand for ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker v Andrade on Feb 25 at Lumpinee Stadium.

 ?? ?? Superlek Kiatmoo9 celebrates a win against Daniel Puertas.
Superlek Kiatmoo9 celebrates a win against Daniel Puertas.

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