A Fight of This Caliber Simply Cannot Go for Three Rounds”– Anatoly Malykhin Breaks Down Rodtang vs. Superlek Rematch

Two-division ONE World Champion Anatoly Malykhin enjoyed the insane battle between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9 that took place last Friday, but he wants to see more.

The two Thai superstars finally squared off in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 34, to the delight of fans and fighters around the world.

Anatoly Malykhin has a lot to say on Rodtang vs. Superlek rematch

Unfortunately, what was scheduled to be a five-round battle for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title became a three-round affair after ‘The Kicking Machine’ failed to make weight. Nevertheless, it delivered excitement from bell to bell, as expected. It was such a fun fight that Malykhin wants them to run it back sooner rather than later.

While he himself is eagerly awaiting an announcement about his next bout, “Sladkiy,” he is also hoping to watch the two striking savants square off again. “I’m looking forward to the rematch between Rodtang and Superlek more than I am looking forward to my next fight,” he told ONE in an interview.

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“What I want to say about the Rodtang vs. Superlek fight is this: these are two masters of the highest style of Thai boxing, who always dedicate themselves completely to their actions in the ring, without sparing either themselves or the opponent. They put on a show and deliver knockouts that the audience loves.”

Fans do not agree with Superlek’s triumph at ONE Friday Fight 34

Their much-awaited match ended in a unanimous decision win for Superlek, but fans and fellow fighters are not as convinced as the judges in terms of the result. Early in the match, ‘The Iron Man’ drew blood from his compatriot after a vicious elbow strike. The referee and doctor deemed that the match could continue, and the world was treated to more intense action between the two top strikers. In the second round of the match, Rodtang fell to the ground after a clash with the kickboxing king. While he immediately got up from what he felt was a slip, the referee started a count and scored a knockdown for Superlek.

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The final round looked close, with both men desperately trying to assert their game plans. Rodtang was aiming for a finish, especially after the suspicious knockdown, while Superlek tried to maintain distance and neutralize his opponent’s attack using his superior clinch game. With the final bell sounding after the closely contested third round, everyone clamored for more, including Malykhin. “A fight of this caliber simply cannot go for three rounds,” he said. “This is a crime against the sport of Muay Thai. There should only be five rounds in a fight of this level.”