Superlek Predicts His Trademark Weapons Can Defeat Rui Botelho

The two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion made a big impression in his ONE Super Series debut in February when he put on a masterclass of “the art of eight limbs” against Cambodia’s Lao Chetra.

Superlek’s use of his right roundhouse kick was breathtaking – and it earned him a clear unanimous decision – but he believes he will put on a much better performance in his nation’s capital on 10 May.

“I’m happy with my performance in my debut, but there is always room for improvement. This is just the beginning for me, I’m ready to work my way to the top of my division,” he says.

“My debut with ONE created a lot of positive exposure for me. Before, I was mainly just known in my own country, but now I am known worldwide. I’m proud of myself, but I want more. I want a title shot, and am working hard to get myself there.

“I need to work harder if want to get farther. I want to get in the top of my division with ONE.”

Before this year, Superlek had competed almost exclusively on Bangkok’s elite stadium circuit, but his first showcase on the global stage for martial arts was also the first time he had competed in front of such a huge international audience.

However, despite the prestige and the pressure, the 23-year-old did not skip a beat. He lived up to his reputation as one of Thailand’s best and most exciting Muay Thai athletes. At one point during the match, he landed 10 successive roundhouse kicks to the midsection of his opponent.

“My opponent was really tough, but I feel my experience was just too much for him,” he adds.

“Fighting for ONE is really freeing, all I have to do is entertain the crowd and do my best. I really enjoy it and am excited to return.”

Experience in The Home Of Martial Arts is one thing Superlek’s upcoming opponent does not lack.

Botelho will make his fourth ONE Super Series appearance in Bangkok, and he is coming off an impressive victory against Japan’s Yuta Watanabe in March, in which the Portuguese hero forced his opponent to face the referee’s count twice in the final round to seal a win via unanimous decision.

Unlike many of his Thai peers, who rely on their ability to adapt on the fly, Superlek has studied Botelho’s performances in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

He has noticed how dangerous he can be – particularly with his punches – and come up with a strategy to get his hand raised in front of his countrymen. It should come as no surprise to his fans what that involves.

“My opponent has got a lot of experience in Muay Thai. He’s strong and has good boxing skills,” he says.

“My kicks will be my main weapon for this match, but I need to work on my defense and distancing. I’m ready to take the fight wherever it goes, I’m willing to trade, but won’t be careless.”

“The small gloves are still very foreign to me, but I am working really hard to get used to them. I wear them every day in training, it is hard to defend punches.”

After emerging from humble beginnings in Buriram, Superlek has always given everything to succeed and make a path to prosperity through Muay Thai.

Now he is on the biggest platform in martial arts, and he has the chance to represent his sport in front of a global audience of tens of millions, he has promised to bring nothing less than his very best to make his fans proud in his nation’s capital, and move on to even bigger things.

“This is my career, this is my job. I’ll be ready like I always am. I’m aiming to make this my best performance yet to earn myself a World Title shot.”

“I’m happy to get to fight in Thailand again, for the Thai people. I want to win, and entertain the people here.”