Superlek Kiatmoo9 stepped in as a late replacement for the main event of ONE’s next card, but he is by no means a stepping stone for anyone.

“The Kicking Machine” is set to headline ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru this Sunday, January 28 as he defends his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship against Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Superlek Kiatmoo9 explains why Takeru Segawa should worry about him and not Rodtang

Originally set to feature a clash between Takeru and ONE flyweight Muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the fight fell through after “The Iron Man” suffered an injury. As a result, Superlek stepped in on short notice after his own opponent, Elias Mahmoudi, suffered an injury as well, leaving him with no opponent.

After it had been confirmed that Rodtang would not be able to fight in the event, Takeru expressed his disappointment. In an interview with SCMP MMA, Superlek said “The Natural Born Crusher” should be worried by what’s in front of him, not the one that he has in his rear view already.

“I’ve heard him saying that, but I don’t think it affects me in any way because, for me, I feel like Takeru is not better than Rodtang. And I have won against Rodtang,” said Superlek. “I think he needs to focus more on the fight that’s happening on the 28th because I have mentioned before, I am not a stepping stone for anyone. So it would probably be better for him to focus on this Sunday rather than saying he’s going to beat Rodtang.”

The Kiatmoo9 representative is by no means an easier fight compared to Rodtang. Currently, he is riding an eight-fight winning streak across both Muay Thai and kickboxing, chopping down everyone who stands in his way.

‘The Kicking Machine’ claims to bring justice to his fight moniker at ONE 165

In his pursuit of being a two-sport World Champion, he competed in Muay Thai in his last three bouts but promises to live up to his nickname in his return to kickboxing.

Also Read: “My Mindset Changed” – Takeru Segawa Opens Up On the Significance of Training in Thailand

“I think everyone should expect ‘The Kicking Machine’ to be back. I believe that in the past three or four fights I haven’t done the kicking that much because it has been only Muay Thai. In Muay Thai, it’s more about the other striking too, so I did a lot of elbows,” said Superlek.

“Right now, it’s kickboxing, so I’m just gonna show people that ‘The Kicking Machine’, my name, is not because of luck, but because of my kicks. He will feel that and everyone in the room will see that,” claimed Superlek.

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

All the action from ONE 165 will be available on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com