Superlek admits sub-minute KO of Jonathan Haggerty surprised him: "I didn't think it was going to come that quickly"
"The Kicking Machine" Superlek Kiatmoo9 was prepared for a long and wearying fight against Jonathan Haggerty. Instead, the Thai needed only under a minute to finish his foe in the main event of ONE 168: Denver.
The Kiatmoo9 Gym attained two-sport glory with a counter elbow that slept 'The General' in only 49 seconds inside the packed Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, last Friday, September 6. While the striking savant admits that the elbow was part of his plan, the 28-year-old was still surprised that he needed less than a minute to bag the victory.
Speaking to Nick Atkin, Superlek shared:
"Well, I knew I was going to finish the fight. But I didn't think it was going to come that quickly."
If anything, Haggerty had the better chunk of activity from the sound of the bell. The Knowlesy Academy and Team Underground affiliate shredded through the ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion's defense with sweeping low kicks, straights, and crosses.
Though the Thai appeared to have his attacks subdued, he was only setting up traps to find holes in Haggerty's system. And when the British star took the bait and launched a punch at full speed, 'The Kicking Machine' stuck in an elbow that connected cleanly to attain the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship.
Watch the full interview here:
Superlek plans to use US$50,000 bonus to support his students at his gym
Superlek's majestic knockout — which took his winning streak to 11 on the global stage of ONE Championship — also earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
When asked about his plans for the hefty bonus, the Thai had this to say to color commentator Mitch Chilson:
"The money that I have won today will go towards my gym, Superlek Gym in Bangkok. I will use this money to support all of the people that are training at my gym. Thank you so much."
North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch ONE 168: Denver via replay for free.