"I don't really know what to say" - Superlek lost for words after achieving two-sport glory at ONE 168: Denver
"The Kicking Machine" Superlek Kiatmoo9 was stumped following his historic achievement in the main event of ONE 168: Denver.
The Thai megastar and ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion completed his mission to claim Jonathan Haggerty's ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title with a stunning 49-second finish via his trademark elbow inside the raucous Ball Arena on September 6.
Shortly after attaining two-sport glory in the Mile High City, Superlek clearly couldn't handle his emotions when in-Circle color commentator Mitch Chilson questioned him about his crowning moment.
The Kiatmoo9 Gym martial artist, however, did offer a short response, which drew huge praise from the crowd:
"I want to say hi to all the fans. I don't really know what to say. I want to thank all the fans here for giving me the support and the energy to do what I just did."
Despite Haggerty's best efforts to add to his streak of highlight-reel wins, the Knowlesy Academy and Team Underground fighter's eagerness to put Superlek away cost him big time just inside the opening minute of their hotly anticipated rematch.
The Thai megastar countered with a right elbow square that landed flush on Haggerty's temple to claim the bantamweight gold and extend his winning streak to 11. At the same time, 'The Kicking Machine' was rewarded with a US$50,000 performance bonus for his highlight-reel triumph.
North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch the ONE 168: Denver replay for free.
What's next for Superlek?
With a bigger target now on his back, the flyweight kickboxing and bantamweight Muay Thai world champion won't be short of any challengers who will be game to stop his near-perfect run in the promotion.
A rematch against Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa could be in the offing, but if there's one name more deserving to face Superlek at this very minute is none other than Nico Carrillo.
'King of the North' — the top-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender — has been waiting for his chance to contest for the division's 26 pounds of gold after building a solid 4-0 run in his ONE campaign.
Besides, with Rodtang and Takeru both scheduled to fight soon, there's every reason to believe that the Scotsman could have his chance very soon.