“They wanna see the beauty and the artistry” - Chatri Sityodtong mulls bringing Superlek-Rodtang rematch to American soil
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong might have another potential banger on his hands for a future event in the United States.
Last weekend, Thai megastar 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek Kiatmoo9 scored a stunning first-round knockout over the UK's 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty to capture the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title.
Superlek was well-received by American fans, who packed the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado for ONE 168, giving legitimacy to the Thai's global star power. In light of this, Sityodtong has now considered bringing Superlek's rematch with Rodtang 'The Iron Man' Jitmuangnon to U.S. soil.
Sityodtong commented on that possibility. He told the media at the official ONE 168: Denver press conference:
"Doesn't matter if it's two Thais, these are pound-for-pound two of the best strikers on the planet. People wanna watch that. Doesn't matter what country you're from. They wanna see the beauty and the artistry, and the technique, and the pinnacle of striking arts."
Superlek battled Rodtang in Sept. 2023, going to war at ONE Friday Fights 34 in Bangkok, Thailand. 'The Kicking Machine' ended up taking home a three-round unanimous decision, scoring a knockdown on 'The Iron Man' in the process.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action of ONE 168: Denver via replay on demand on Amazon Prime Video.
Superlek vs. Seksan another possibility for American audience: "We're the Olympics of martial arts"
Chatri Sityodtong says Superlek Kiatmoo9 could be a fixture in ONE Championship's U.S. events moving forward.
Superlek not only has a looming rematch with Rodtang Jitmuangnon on the horizon but a showdown with legend Seksan Or Kwanmuang as well. Sityodtong told the media:
"You never know, it's a possibility. What I'm enjoying is bringing the world's greatest strikers to America. Of course, we showed all the disciplines. Like I said, we're the Olympics of martial arts. In one night, you get to see the baddest men and women on the planet in different martial arts disciplines."