Superlek Feels ‘Honored’ To Headline ONE 168: Denver In Muay Thai World Title Fight Against Jonathan Haggerty
“The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 is proud to be the torchbearer for Muay Thai in one of the biggest martial arts events of 2024.
On September 6, the Thai superstar will make his North American debut when he moves up in weight to challenge Jonathan “The General” Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE 168: Denver at Ball Arena.
As the long-reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion who boasts recent victories over the likes of fellow superstars Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa, Superlek is recognized by many as the planet’s top pound-for-pound striker.
Despite his lofty status, “The Kicking Machine” told onefc.com that competing in the headline attraction of ONE’s blockbuster return to the U.S. represents a significant moment in his 171-fight career:
“I’ve always been grateful to have an opportunity to show Muay Thai to the world. It’s special to be selected to be part of this huge card. I’m honored.”
Of course, Superlek is heading to Denver with the full intention of defeating Haggerty and becoming a two-division, two-sport ONE World Champion.
But beyond the 26 pounds of gold, the proud Thai feels an obligation to put his best foot forward and entertain American fans who might be new to Muay Thai:
“I’m going to the U.S. with the position as Thailand’s representative. It’s important to me to do my best – to not disappoint the Thai fans and to showcase Muay Thai skills in the U.S.”
With that in mind, Superlek promises to put everything on the line at ONE 168: Denver.
While he’s known as a master technician and a skilled defensive fighter, he insists that he’s willing to risk defeat – and the possibility of being knocked out for the first time – in order to stage a thrilling battle:
“It’ll be explosive. I’ll go all out in this fight. It’ll be exciting, and you won’t be disappointed! I’ve always been a technical fighter, I’ve never been knocked out in my career, but I’ll go all out this time.”
Superlek Impressed By The State Of Martial Arts In America
Superlek Kiatmoo9’s World Title clash with Jonathan Haggerty will mark his first time competing in the United States, but it won’t be his first visit to the country.
The 28-year-old has been to the U.S. previously to teach Muay Thai and has always been impressed by the love for martial arts in the nation:
“I love the people there and the weather. I feel like they’re very passionate about martial arts and Muay Thai, too. I’ve been to the U.S. a few times for seminars. I enjoyed teaching and seeing the excitement from the American fans.”
In fact, Superlek was present last May at ONE Fight Night 10, the organization’s long-awaited U.S. debut.
That night, he served as a backup for the World Title showdown between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Edgar Tabares, should either of them miss weight.
“The Kicking Machine” was able to sit Circle-side and watch his Thai compatriot successfully defend the flyweight Muay Thai crown. He says he was blown away by the reception American fans gave Rodtang and other Thai superstars:
“I was amazed by the crowd cheering for the Thai athletes. It’s amazing to see such passion in a foreign land. I love seeing the excitement and the energy in the stadium.”
