2025 Year-In-Review: Superbon Reflects On Transformative Year, Eyes Two-Sport Glory In 2026
Undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon got off to a rocky start in 2025. But the Thai superstar wrapped up his campaign on a winning note, and he’s entering the new year with renewed momentum and unfinished business on his mind.
The 35-year-old kicked off this year on the back of two impressive victories in 2024. He overcame longtime rival Marat Grigorian in a kickboxing battle and secured a first-round knockout of “Smokin'” Jo Nattawut in a Muay Thai clash that earned him a shot at ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE 170 in January.
The Superbon Training Camp founder had dropped a majority decision to his countryman during their Muay Thai World Title bout in December 2023, and redemption was firmly on his mind heading into the rematch.
But things didn’t go quite to plan inside Bangkok’s Impact Arena. He tasted canvas three times as a result of Tawanchai’s surgical striking in round two, stalling his two-sport dream.
Superbon told onefc.com:
“That defeat hurt me. I really came prepared to win the Muay Thai belt. But I think Tawanchai had the better strategy in that fight. I didn’t expect to get KO’ed by him, but it is what it is. I learned my lesson from that fight, and it helped me a lot to become better.”
That setback, however painful, did little to dampen Superbon’s spirit when he returned in the main event of the organization’s star-studded card in Japan, ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, this past November.
He squared off against former K-1 Champion Masaaki Noiri, who captured the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title by finishing Tawanchai at ONE 172 in Saitama in March.
Across five grueling rounds inside the sold-out Ariake Arena in Tokyo, the Thai icon showed exactly why he sits atop the most stacked weight bracket in all of combat sports, delivering a striking clinic en route to a well-deserved unanimous decision win.
Yet even in victory, Superbon’s perfectionist mentality wouldn’t allow him to celebrate without critical self-assessment:
“I did very well against Noiri. But for me, it wasn’t a 100 percent performance. I feel I could have done better. I’d say that performance was an eight out of 10. I will get better for the next fight, but there’s still work to be done.”
When asked to reflect on his 2025 as a whole, Superbon didn’t sugarcoat his assessment. The loss to Tawanchai stings, and while the triumph over Noiri did boost his morale, the Bangkok-based fighter knows he’s capable of much more.
With 2026 underway, he has his goals mapped out. His plan doesn’t include anything too complicated.
The 117-win veteran wants to dominate and continue to put on a show on the grandest stage of combat sports:
“2025 wasn’t that great a year. I lost to Tawanchai, and I defeated Noiri. For me, it could have been better. It wasn’t that great. I hope I can get more victories this year.”
Superbon Locked On Two-Sport Glory In 2026
Superbon’s hunger for more historic achievements in 2026 isn’t just talk. The Physical: Asia star is ready to make next year his best yet.
The ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion has specific goals in mind, and his two-sport World Championship dream remains very much alive.
He continued:
“Looking into the year, I hope I get the chance to defend my kickboxing belt a few times, and I want to fight Muay Thai so I can get the Muay Thai belt, too.”
While his pursuit of dual-sport glory burns bright, Superbon knows he has an obligation to fulfill as the featherweight kickboxing king.
Tawanchai himself has expressed interest in a trilogy bout, and is coming after Superbon’s gold as he pursues his own two-sport aspirations.
Meanwhile, former three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian is angling to write a fourth chapter in their storied rivalry. The Armenian icon wants their battle to take place at ONE 175 inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on April 29.
The Thai made it clear he’s not running from anyone:
“I don’t care who I’m going to fight next. I can fight everyone or anyone. I don’t mind facing anyone. I’m ready to defend my belt.”
But his focus in 2026 extends beyond his own combat pursuits. Outside the Circle, the 35-year-old wants to continue leading the next generation of fighters at his gym in Bangkok, Thailand.
For a competitor who has dedicated two decades of his life to the fight game, the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and guide the youth is his driving force.
Superbon concluded:
“Besides what I want for my career, the fights and the belts, I want my fighters to succeed in 2026. I really hope I can see them enjoy the same success as me. Now is the time for me to continue helping younger fighters to be successful in their careers. I don’t want to die regretting that I did not pass my knowledge.”
