Superlek Kiatmoo9 had a sensational 2022 marketing campaign and rolled that momentum into 2023 by capturing the vacant ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship in January. At ONE Fight Night 8, on Prime Video, he’ll defend the gold for the primary time towards Rodtang Jitmuangnon. However his 2023 has included extra than simply success within the Circle.
Kickboxing Legend Superlek Meets Hip-Hop Icon Wiz Khalifa Forward of Title Match In opposition to Rodtang
Throughout a string of seminars, Superlek had a run-in with hip-hop megastar Wiz Khalifa. The American famous person has made the rounds showcasing his love of coaching in martial arts in recent times and hit the mitts with the ONE Championship titleholder. Despite the fact that Superlek didn’t know who he was at first, he was impressed by what he noticed.
“He got here to be taught Muay Thai with me on the seminar. I taught him just a few of my strategies. His fundamentals are good as a result of he workouts recurrently. He’s additionally a fan of Muay Thai and used to apply this sport. After I noticed his stance, how he attacked, I can inform that this man can struggle. He isn’t an peculiar novice. However to inform the reality, I didn’t know him earlier than. I didn’t know that he’s a well-known rapper. I used to be so completely satisfied to rub shoulders with a celeb like him,” stated Superlek.
After coming back from his journey, Superlek refocused and acquired into camp for his upcoming title protection. The 27-year-old has been on a collision course with Rodtang since arriving in ONE. The Kiatmoo9 Gymnasium star knew the day would come and is happy that followers will lastly see the superfight for the primary time.
“Most followers wish to see me struggle Rodtang. And I’ve considered it for a very long time. Eventually, we might conflict towards one another, particularly since I’ve joined ONE and we struggle in the identical division. Each of us wish to be the most effective. And, our path led to the identical objective. So, it was inevitable that I’d face Rodtang at some point,” stated the reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion.
“The Kicking Machine” expects his footwork to play a significant component within the contest. Rodtang is understood for his fixed stress, and Superlek expressed that he will likely be affected person within the match. That recreation plan partly comes from witnessing Rodtang’s earlier outings and seeing how he makes use of his feelings contained in the Circle.
“Rodtang’s energy is his aggressive type. He has a harmful left hook, low punch, and leg kick. I believe his type is extra appropriate with kickboxing guidelines than Muay Thai. Nonetheless, his weak spot is his feelings, and feelings one way or the other have an effect on his efficiency. His assaults get weaker when he will get upset,” stated Superlek.
However Rodtang has been evolving. In current outings, “The Iron Man” has proven extra endurance and selection in his assaults. Superlek says he’s ready for that as effectively. And he’ll must be as Rodtang has by no means misplaced on the worldwide stage ONE supplies.
Superlek credit Rodtang’s aggression as a cause for his unbeaten streak in ONE. The sturdiness his compatriot has proven has additionally caught his consideration. Win or lose, Superlek is aware of this may solely be the primary of many conferences between the 2 stars. And he desires each males to place their greatest foot ahead in the primary occasion to appease the followers who’ve waited with bated breath for this matchup.
“Followers have been ready so lengthy to see us struggle. I’ll give it my all. It doesn’t matter who wins. However we each will give our greatest performances as a result of it’s our responsibility. After [we are done in] the Circle, we’ll stroll out and be pals once more. Nothing private,” stated Superlek.
ONE Struggle Evening 8 goes dwell on Friday, March 24, from the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The occasion will get underway at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video. It’s free for all Amazon Prime members within the U.S. and Canada.