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Reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion and #1-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9 isn’t about to take Tagir Khalilov lightly. On Friday, July 14, in the main event of ONE Fight Night 12 on Prime Video, the Thai superstar will take on the surging Russian knockout artist in a Muay Thai battle that promises furious action for as long as it lasts.

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That’s because both men will come into the bout – slated to air live in U.S. primetime from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand – riding two-fight knockout streaks and seem primed to keep the finishes rolling.

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Superlek Kiatmoo9 had his counters ready for his superbly skilled opponent Tagir Khalilov

In a recent interview with ONE Championship, Superlek confirmed that his current wave of momentum will serve him well against Khalilov, “It is an advantage because there is a dynamic to the preparation. I did not get injured from the last fight, so this is a good time to continue the streak.”

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But at that same time, he’s well aware “Samingpri’s” own two-fight knockout streak, both of which came in the first round against two of Thailand’s finest and most respected athletes. Superlek says that those performances prove he must respect the Russian and his formidable punching power.

READ MORE – “I Think People Need to Catch the F*** Up” – Jarred Brooks Asks MMA Fans to Watch ONE Championship After Revealing the Two Most Underrated MMA Athletes of the World

“He’s a tough fighter for sure, a heavy hitter. Both of his latest KOs against Black Panther and Chorfah [Tor Sangtiennoi] were from his powerful punches. I can never underestimate his power, and I have prepared for counter attacks.”

Superlek Kiatmoo9 will be a favorite but the matchup might contain major twists

Naturally, “The Kicking Machine” is aiming for another highlight-reel knockout this Friday. He also understands that, as a ONE World Champion and established global superstar, he’ll be the favorite against Khalilov.

READ MORE – Shamil Gasanov Reveals His Ultimate Goal at ONE Championship After Defeating ‘Dangerous’ Garry Tonon

But make no mistake, Superlek is preparing for the fight of his life, fully expecting the unexpected when he squares off with “Samingpri”, “He’s a strong fighter. Although I’d want a knockout like every athlete would, we’ll have to see what will happen.”

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Souvik Roy

1,315 Articles

The coveted scrap between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson in 2002 was when I realized the passion for combat sports within my family. My interest in combat sports began watching scripted pro wrestling shows. It was my father who directed me towards combat sports and it wasn’t until the late 2010s that I discovered the world of MMA and the UFC. Like many of you, I too, tuned in for the infamous Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor bout live on October 6, 2018. Being an ardent fan of the UFC (and Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier), I was always looking to have conversations about the same with others. But to my disappointment, I hardly found any followers of the sports to interact with. So I took it upon myself to do my part in popularizing the thrill and the agony behind the purest form of unarmed combat. At EssentiallySports, I try to bring the readers closer to the athletes and focus my coverage on exploring the human side of these martial artists. I’m a musician during my time free from reporting MMA. I operate as the lead vocalist of a rock band that aims to make their mark among the audiences with their original alternative-hard rock songs. You can hit me up at-

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Anuj Jacob

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