Superlek Kiatmoo9 proved why he is arguably the best kickboxer in the world today after coming out on top of a five-round war this past weekend.

At ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru on 28 January, “The Kicking Machine” successfully defended the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship at the expense of Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa in a five-round classic inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Superlek commends the fighting spirit of Takeru

The win was the Thai striker’s ninth straight victory in ONE across both Muay Thai and kickboxing, as he’s been taking out the very best in the world. After adding Takeru to his list of conquests, he has no doubt cemented his place among the pound-for-pound greats in the sport today.

In a post-fight interview with ONE Commentator Mitch Chilson, Superlek had nothing but respect for “The Natural Born Crusher” as he acknowledged his rival’s toughness. Superlek said, “There’s no surprise [about what he displayed today]. That’s why he’s the top fighter in the world. I thought that I’m the heavy hitter, but I could not take him down, I could not drop him at all. He just kept coming right at me so he deserved to be one of the top fighters in the world.”

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Superlek attacked Takeru’s leg early on and kept him at bay with incredible distance control. However, he admitted that it was a more difficult fight than he expected as the Japanese striker came prepared to block his counterattacks.

Despite his bonus-winning performance, the Kiatmoo9 representative revealed that he had a close call during the match. He said, “It was at the end of the third round. I took that shot from Takeru and my body literally froze, and the only thing that I thought in my head was that I have to have a fighting spirit, I have to do whatever it takes to survive on the third round and continue fighting on the fourth round.”

Having fought top-caliber talent on back-to-back occasions, Superlek was asked how fighting Takeru was different from sharing the ring with Muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

Also read: “I’m Not Intimidated By Him” – Superlek Kiatmoo9 Unfazed By What Takeru Segawa Has To Offer In Upcoming Matchup

“The Kicking Machine” reveals the difference in fighting Takeru and Rodtang

While the 28-year-old admitted that it was more tiring to fight “The Iron Man,” he points out that he fought both fighters under completely different rule sets.

Superlek said, “I must say the fight with Rodtang was more tiring because in Muay Thai we can use more weapons, but here fighting with Takeru in kickboxing our weapons are a little bit more limited. But still, fighting with the top guys in the world like Takeru, I must say that both of these fights were very fun and entertaining. I enjoyed it very much,”

Superlek has beaten two of the best kickboxers in the world Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Who should “The Kicking Machine” fight next? Let us know what you think in the comments sections below.

Also Read:“I Am Not a Stepping Stone for Anyone” – Superlek Kiatmoo9 Lays Down a Serious Reminder for ONE 165 Opponent Takeru Segawa