WATCH: Get a quick breakdown of Superlek’s calculated offensive approach against Takeru in their Tokyo super fight
Reigning and undisputed ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek Kiatmoo9 of Thailand is arguably considered the pound-for-pound best in his sport.
But when he went up against Japanese kickboxing icon 'The Natural Born Crusher' Takeru Segawa earlier this year, many doubted if he would be able to defeat his esteemed opponent.
Superlek proved the naysayers wrong and put on a masterful performance against his Japanese adversary, beating Takeru via a five-round unanimous decision in an instant classic.
Although the fight was very close, 'The Kicking Machine' put together a gutsy performance, dismantling 'The Natural Born Crusher' with a debilitating leg kick game that took Takeru's footing out from underneath him.
Check out Superlek's calculated approach in this short clip posted by ONE Championship on Instagram:
'The Kicking Machine' Superlek Kiatmoo9 is set to challenge two-sport king 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title.
The two lock horns in the main event of ONE 168: Denver, which broadcasts live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday, Sept. 6.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event.
Superlek enlists sports scientist in fight camp to help him transition to bantamweight: "We’ve been working closely"
One of the biggest questions surrounding Superlek Kiatmoo9's upcoming world title tilt against Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver is how the 28-year-old would look as a bantamweight.
Superlek has had issues making the flyweight limit in the past, which makes a move to bantamweight seem like a no-brainer. But it isn't that simple in combat sports.
This is why Superlek has enlisted the aid of a sports scientist in Bangkok named Hook to help him out.
He told ONE Championship:
"He joined my team in June. We’ve been working closely since. We’ve spent a lot of time together, working on customized plans. We’re close."