ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 is widely considered one of the best strikers in the world. The Thai fighter is now eyeing a second belt as he prepares himself for his battle against Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver. Superlek is currently on a 10-fight winning streak and is riding high on confidence.

Such is his confidence that he doesn’t even regard ‘The General’ as a major threat. ONE Championship recently shared a video on their Instagram page where ‘The Kicking Machine’ shared his mindset before the clash. He said, “Is Haggerty a tough fight? I don’t think so. There are so many fighters who are better than him. So many. And I believe I’m better than Haggerty.” Superlek is also ready to break Haggerty’s record against Thai fighters.

He added, “Haggerty defeated some Thai legends like Sam-A and Nong-O. But now I have the opportunity to bring the belt back to Thailand. I’m already highly decorated in Muay Thai. I also have the belt in kickboxing. So there’s only one thing left. The ONE Muay Thai World Title.” But why does the 28-year-old feel he is better than Haggerty? Let us take a look at the reason. 

Superlek Kiatmoo9 holds a slight advantage before his clash at ONE 168 

Two-sport World Champion Jonathan Haggerty is someone who instills fear into the minds of his opponents. However, his next opponent, Superlek, isn’t quite intimidated by him. ‘The Kicking Machine’ has had the experience of beating him in the past. Both fighters fought each other at YOKKAO 31 & 32 back in 2018 and the Thai star won the fight after Haggerty suffered a cut over his eye, which led the doctor to stop the fight. But “The Kicking Machine” was never satisfied with the victory and always wanted to face ‘The General’ once more in his career. 

He shared his opinion on the rematch and said, “Haggerty has always been someone [I wanted] a rematch with since our first match in 2018. That fight was stopped by the ref. I won by TKO, but the crowd wasn’t happy. There was a lot of booing as if I didn’t deserve to win. I want to prove that I can still win the fight without a ref stopping it prematurely.”

The ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion is now a man on a mission and is desperate to prove that his last victory against Haggerty was not a fluke. He believes he can beat the two-sport champion and said, “I’m not happy that I was questioned, as if I wasn’t able to win without the stoppage. I want to prove people wrong. I have always wanted a rematch.” 

Superlek has achieved a lot in his Muay Thai career and his resume is full of accolades. He is a two-division Lumpinee Stadium champion, a three-division PAT Thailand champion, and is also a WBC Muay Thai Super Featherweight World champion. In 2012, he was also awarded the Thailand Muay Thai Fighter of the Year award. But what does Haggerty feel about his opponent? Let us find out. 

Jonathan Haggerty has nothing but respect for Superlek 

Two-sport world champion Jonathan Haggerty has stepped up his preparation before his title defense in Denver. ‘The General’ knows he will be facing one of his toughest opponents to date in the promotion. Not only will he be defending his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title, but will also look to avenge his previous loss.

Fans and experts have started making predictions for the fight, but choosing between the pair is never an easy task. While Haggerty is confident that he will come out victorious, the two-sport champion has massive respect for the challenger. The pair was involved in an intense face-off at ONE Friday Nights 72. However, during an interview with ONE Championship, ‘The General’ pointed out what exactly he felt about the Thai fighter.

He said, “You know, the opportunity to fight one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I do believe he’s one of the best up there. And just to get the opportunity to step in there with him.” The mutual respect is prevalent in the other camp as well, and Superlek also believes Haggerty is one of the best in the business. It’s good to see that two intense competitors respect each other as fighters. 

Who do you think will win the fight at ONE 168: Denver? Let us know about it in the comments below.