Reigning One Championship kickboxing flyweight titleholder Superlek Kiatmoo9 was scheduled to defend his belt against Elias Mahmoudi in the ONE Fight Night 18 main event this Friday at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. However, an unfortunate rib injury led to Mahmoudi’s withdrawal and forced Superlek to change course for a Jan. 28 clash with Takeru Segawa at ONE 165.
As Superlek moves ever closer to his forthcoming battle with Segawa, here are five things you might not know about him:
1. Muay thai saved his family.
Muay thai shaped Superlek into the formidable fighter he is today and also served as the lifeline that rescued his family from financial struggles in rural Thailand. Hailing from a lineage with a rich martial arts history and introduced to the sport by his late grandfather, Superlek’s journey from local fights to global championships in the fight capital of the Far East has been transformative. The discipline, dedication and laurels in muay thai have empowered him to afford education, support his family and break free from economic constraints. Beyond the accolades and victories, muay thai represents the cornerstone that elevated Superlek’s family from survival to prosperity, with his fighting record serving as a testament to this remarkable journey.
2. He emerged as a force in combat sports at a young age.
Superlek emerged as a formidable talent in muay thai at just 15, clinching the Thailand Champion title in the 105-pound division in 2011. Unruffled by the upcoming challenges, he ascended to the 112-pound weight class the following year and secured yet another Thailand Champion title in 2012. It goes without saying that Superlek’s early accolades set the stage for a remarkable career that would see him conquer multiple weight divisions.
3. Many recognize him as a muay femur maestro.
One attribute that separates Superlek from his counterparts is his reputation as a muay femur virtuoso. His success in the sport hinges on the decorated muay femur style characterized by a strategic fight IQ that systematically dismantles adversaries. Departing from conventional muay thai approaches, Superlek seamlessly blends diverse techniques, punctuated by how he systematically breaks down his opponents. His signature move, a powerhouse right kick, is the perfect blend of elite muay thai pedigree and the technical splendor of the martial art form.
4. Accolades distinguish him.
Superlek’s exceptional achievements were recognized by the Sports Authority of Thailand in 2012. His exploits in the sport culminated with the prestigious recognition as the “Fighter of the Year” in muay thai.
5. He secured major championships as a teen prodigy.
By the age of 18, Superlek had achieved the rare feat of claiming two Lumpinee Stadium world titles—a dream for many muay thai competitors. In September 2012, “The Kicking Machine” secured the super flyweight (115-pound) championship with an emphatic victory over Muangthai PK Saenchai. The following year, he scored a stunning knockout victory over Mondaom Sor Werapon in the third round. Superlek’s remarkable dual triumphs etched his name alongside muay thai legends, as he seized the bantamweight (118-pound) divisional crown.