Rodtang Breaks Down World Title Fight Between Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek At ONE 168: Denver
Thai superstar Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon knows the two fighters competing in the main event at ONE 168: Denver better than anybody.
The longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion has traded blows with both Jonathan “The General” Haggerty and Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9 in the past, so he has a unique perspective on the blockbuster showdown in the United States.
This Friday, September 6, two-sport king Haggerty will put his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship on the line against current ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Rodtang owns a pair of victories over Haggerty at flyweight, with the two battling for Muay Thai gold in 2019 and 2020.
Meanwhile, “The Iron Man” clashed with Superlek in a Muay Thai classic at ONE Friday Fights 34 in September 2023, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to his fellow Thai.
Knowing firsthand what each man brings to the table, Rodtang spoke to onefc.com about their keys to victory:
“Haggerty’s strength is he has been fighting [at bantamweight] for a while now. He can punch very hard and violently.
“Superlek’s strengths are his powerful kicks and exceptional defensive abilities. I’ve never seen anyone that can knock Superlek out before.”
Haggerty has been on an absolute tear since his last defeat to Rodtang, winning six straight fights while adding the bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing belts to his trophy case.
For his part, Superlek is in the midst of a staggering 12-bout winning streak that includes a recent triumph over Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru “The Natural Born Crusher” Segawa in January.
The matchup at ONE 168: Denver pits two of the top pound-for-pound strikers on the planet against one another, and Rodtang is urging fans not to look away once the opening bell rings:
“I’m confident that we’re going to see an exciting fight, full of thrills every second. I’m looking forward to watching this fight.
“Both are number one in Muay Thai and kickboxing. No matter who they fight, that fight is a must-see.”
Rodtang Makes His Pick For Haggerty-Superlek Showdown
Rodtang Jitmuangnon is predicting a knockout when Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmoo9 finally lock horns at ONE 168: Denver.
The two world-class strikers each possess thunderous knockout power and are ready to swing for the fences. As such, “The Iron Man” strongly believes this match will not go the distance.
Rodtang said:
“It has a high chance to end with a KO. It’s hard for me to predict, but In the first round, the two will get to know each other. In the second round, they will start trading weapons.
“If both of them are careful, it should end in the third or fourth round.”
Haggerty has reached new heights since moving up a division. As a bantamweight, “The General” looks formidable and packs devastating power that has led him to three consecutive knockout victories.
Rodtang says the difference in size gives the British superstar a slight edge over Superlek, who is coming up from flyweight. In his heart, however, “The Iron Man” will be siding with his friend and Thai countryman.
The ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion said:
“This match is close. Both are elite fighters and their skills are on par. It’ll depend on who makes mistakes first.
“Jonathan Haggerty has the edge. In terms of weight, he has been fighting in this division for a long time. Anyway, I’ll root for [Superlek].”
