ONE Friday Fights 68 preview and predictions: Superlek vs. Kongthoranee
The return of one of the biggest stars in ONE Championship is upon us, as Superlek Kiatmoo9 will grace the ring for the second time this year against game opponent Kongthoranee Sor Sommai.
Serving as the co-main event of ONE Friday Fights 68: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella, this three-round flyweight Muay Thai war promises to electrify the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, June 28, live in Asian primetime.
The flyweight kickboxing king is on the cusp of two-sport and two-division supremacy when he challenges bantamweight Muay Thai king Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver in September.
However, he must first get past his upset-minded compatriot, who's now gunning for everything he's built.
Despite being the heavy favorite in this match, 'The Kicking Machine' remains grounded and knows he can't treat this as a "warm-up" fight for 'The General'.
Kongthoranee, after all, has won seven straight, including an impressive 8-1 run in the world's largest martial arts organization.
Will it be business as usual for Superlek? Or will Kongthoranee pull off arguably the mother of all upsets?
Check out the Sportskeeda MMA's ONE Championship team's analysis for this showdown.
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Vince Richards
Kongthoranee is riding a solid run of form, and his run of seven straight wins makes him one of the hottest fighters in ONE Championship. His next match, however, sees him taking on a different monster altogether.
Superlek is the reigning flyweight kickboxing world champion and has separated himself as one of the best of the current generation.
Make no mistake, Kongthoranee will put up a worthy fight against Superlek. The Sor Sommai product is a highly technical machine who wastes little movement in his attacks.
Superlek, meanwhile, has a similar calculated style. The only difference is, Superlek is at a higher level.
I see this match going Superlek's way from the opening bell to whenever 'The Kicking Machine' decides to end it. Just to be safe, let's put it as a decision win for the flyweight kickboxing king.
Prediction: Superlek via decision
Mike Murillo
This is going to be another thrilling clash between two of the best Muay Thai fighters right now, marked by end-to-end action.
I'm leaning toward veteran Superlek taking this one as he has been battle-tested in the last year and a half by fighters who have diverse skill sets. It should prepare him well for any look that Kongthoranee would present come fight night.
But the upcoming star's resume is nothing to scoff at and I expect him to present a serious challenge. His aggressive style and solid clinch game are some of the things that 'The Kicking Machine' should take note of.
But despite that, Superlek is considered among the top pound-for-pound strikers in the game for a reason, and he will show that at ONE Friday Fights 68 with a convincing decision win.
Prediction: Superlek via decision
James De Rozario
I expect Superlek to be doing Superlek things when he steps inside the ring against Kongthoranee.
His experience, power, and deadly kicking game will be on show early to eliminate any knockout threat from his opposite number.
Once he has Kongthoranee worrying about his next move, 'The Kicking Machine' will dance around the pocket, dig in with the better shots, and switch levels to catch his Thai counterpart off guard.
Though I envision him cruising to a landslide win, the flyweight kickboxing world champion cannot slack off when Kongthoranee has his hands loaded.
The ONE Friday Fights star never hesitates in attack, and even when things don't go his way, he's never one to back down from action.
He might be able to spring a surprise every now and then, but Superlek's all-around brilliance helps him easily here.
Prediction: Superlek via decision