Superlek Kiatmoo9 reached new heights of greatness at ONE 168: Denver. The Thai phenom claimed the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion title by knocking out Jonathan Haggerty in just 49 seconds. This victory also solidified his status as a two-division king in ONE Championship and the undisputed pound-for-pound king.
The event took place at the Ball Arena in Denver, adding a special touch to Superlek’s performance. Known as “The Kicking Machine,” he was thrilled to showcase Muay Thai to American fans and contribute to the sport’s growth in the country. His electrifying knockout finish impressed the audience and likely garnered new followers for the sport.
Reflecting on his win at the post-event press conference, Superlek expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to promote Muay Thai worldwide. He emphasized the danger, excitement, and overall greatness of the sport, hoping to attract more fans globally.
The fight ended with a well-executed elbow strike from Superlek to Haggerty, a move he had strategically planned for. Recognizing Haggerty’s strong cross, Superlek anticipated the opening for an elbow strike and capitalized on it, securing the victory in spectacular fashion.
For Superlek, elevating Muay Thai’s status worldwide also means highlighting the skills of Thai athletes. He aimed to showcase the level of talent and technique possessed by Thai strikers, not just the entertainment value of the fights. Superlek’s impressive performance served as a testament to this goal.
Superlek received a $50,000 performance bonus for his knockout victory over Haggerty. Rather than splurging the money, he plans to use it to support his family and nurture aspiring athletes at his newly opened gym in Thailand.
Expressing his joy over the bonus, Superlek shared his intentions to assist his family financially and guide the young fighters at his gym towards success.
