Takeru Looks Past Initial Disappointment as Superlek Saves ONE 165 Main Event After Rodtang’s Injury

Fans won’t be seeing a monumental clash between two generational stars, but the alternative bout will not be any less spectacular. Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon revealed that he has suffered an injury that will prevent him from competing in the main event of ONE 165 on Sunday.

On January 28 he was meant to go up against Takeru Segawa inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Instead, ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 is stepping up to put his belt on the line against the Japanese stalwart in the event’s new main event.

A twist in fate as two fights fell together

Originally tasked to face Elias Mahmoudi in the headlining bout of ONE Fight Night 18 this Friday, January 12, “The Kicking Machine” found himself without an opponent after the Algerian striker was forced to withdraw due to injury. 

With both men fully prepared for war but without an opponent, it made sense to put them together for a blockbuster fight that fans deserve. Superlek is on an incredible tear in his promotional run, going undefeated in eight fights dating back to May 2022.  

At the start of 2023, he captured the vacant kickboxing crown against Daniel Puertas at ONE Fight Night 6. Since then, he has successfully defended the belt once before shifting his focus to Muay Thai, where he secured three straight wins. 

His latest victory may have been the biggest of his career, as he edged Rodtang in an epic three-round war that broke viewership records in Thailand. For his part, Takeru will be put to the test immediately in his very first match in the promotion. Considered one of kickboxing’s pound-for-pound greatest athletes, “The Natural Born Crusher” owns an incredible 41-2 record that includes 25 knockouts. 

Takeru was prepared for Rodtang, not Superlek

On Instagram, he shared his disappointment for not being able to compete against the opponent he had been preparing for but expressed excitement over the new challenge in front of him. Having a late replacement certainly puts a curveball on the 32-year-old’s game plan, but he welcomes the opportunity to challenge for the World Title in his first match. 

Also Read: “I’ll Never Let Anyone Take My Belt” – Rodtang Jitmuangnon Braces for His Toughest Challenge Yet at One Friday Fights 34

“My opponent for my ONE debut at January 28th Rodtang has been canceled and changed to Superlek and I’m going to fight for the one championship world title. I have been preparing to fight Rotang for a long time and sacrificed many things for this fight so I was shocked and disappointed,” he said. 

“But now I’m excited to face Superlek and fight for the world title for my ONE debut. I will win show the world the I’m the best of the best and who is the king. Thank you for the loves and support and please keep your eyes on me,” he continued.  “January 28th I’ll be world champion for sure.”

Also Read: Rodtang Jitmuangnon Makes His Next Target Super Clear: “I’m More Than Ready”