Can Superlek's technical brilliance and raw power overthrow Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver?
On Sept. 6, Superlek Kiatmoo9 looks to become a two-weight world champion when he faces Jonathan Haggerty for the bantamweight Muay Thai world champion at ONE 168: Denver.
There's no denying that the challenger has the skill and power to dethrone the champion based on his recent performances.
The flyweight kickboxing world champion will come in as a favorite in a lot of people's eyes largely due to the pedigree he has earned over the years.
His recent wins over the likes of Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon have shown you everything you need to know about this fighter. Superlek is pure art to watch with technical brilliance combined with savage ferocity and his kicks are arguably the best in the world.
The challenger has also shown in his recent fights that he isn't just a pretty fighter to watch at work, he has incredible toughness and resilience that he can rely on when necessary.
Superlek might be the more technical of the two world champions but make no mistake about it, he can fight fire with fire if called upon.
This version of the flyweight kickboxing champion might be the toughest opponent that Haggerty has ever faced so make no mistake about it, he is a serious threat to 'The General's' title reign.
Jonathan Haggerty can beat Superlek by standing his ground
When you look at what Jonathan Haggerty needs to do to defeat Superlek, you have to look at his recent trajectory. 'The General' was beaten by his upcoming opponent many years ago before they were both in ONE Championship and that will undoubtedly fuel him.
Beating Superlek might be the crowning achievement of his career and to do it, he must use every advantage that he has. Crucial to that is this fight sees his opponent move up a weight class, just like Haggerty did in 2022.
The flyweight champion might be big for the weight class but Haggerty has been living proof that sometimes it can take time to adjust to a new weight. If he is going to keep hold of the bantamweight title, the Brit must fight like he is the champion of the weight class above.
Perhaps, 'The General' can use his strength and power to bully his opponent where he can, or do whatever he can to stop oncoming traffic while displaying his incredible finishing ability once again.
ONE 168: Denver will air live from the Ball Arena in U.S. primetime on September 6.