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Current ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 says weight won’t be an issue when he moves up a division to challenge Jonathan “The General” Haggerty for his bantamweight Muay Thai crown at ONE 168: Denver.

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That blockbuster matchup will take place at the Ball Arena on September 6 and will mark each man’s much-anticipated North American debut.

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Superlek Kiatmoo9’s weight management and fight preparation

Before he challenges Haggerty for two-division glory, Superlek is first set to take on surging knockout artist Kongthoranee Sor Sommai this Friday, June 28, at ONE Friday Fights 68: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella.

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Slated to go down live in Asia primetime at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, that Muay Thai clash will take place at Superlek’s normal weight of flyweight.

While “The Kicking Machine” admits that competing in different weight classes comes with some challenges, he’s ultimately not concerned.

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He explained, “The only thing that kind of worried me a bit is the process of cutting weight and putting it back on. Before being offered the fight with Kongthoranee, I was putting on weight to prepare for my fight with Haggerty.

Now, I’m cutting it back, and right after, I will have to make it to bantamweight. I’m not worried at all about the fight, though.”

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Superlek is excited to fight in a new space

As the current flyweight kickboxing kingpin and the #1-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender, and fresh off back-to-back wins over global megastars Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangon and “The Natural Born Crusher” Takeru Segawa, Superlek has cemented his status as a bona fide pound-for-pound great.

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Naturally, American fans are excited to see “The Kicking Machine” showcase his immense talent in person.

Superlek says he’s just as excited to compete for those fans. He knows that fighting in Denver on a massive, U.S. primetime show will only earn him more fans.

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He added, “It’ll be a great experience to fight in front of the new fan base. It’s been huge for me to have more fans from around the world.”

Of course, he must first get past Kongthoranee this weekend before shifting his focus solely on Haggerty. Superlek comes into the contest riding an incredible nine-fight win streak across Muay Thai and kickboxing, and will certainly welcome adding a tenth victory before his World Title challenge against “The General” in the United States.

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Suryakant Das

3,440 Articles

Suryakant Das is a senior writer who leads UFC live coverage at EssentiallySports, known for his broad expertise and standout professionalism in MMA journalism. Over two years in the field, he has become a key voice on real-time event updates, pre- and post-fight interviews, and analysis of viral moments from the Joe Rogan Experience. His dynamic reporting is backed by selection to the Journalistic Excellence Program, which hones advanced editorial skills and strategic coverage approaches for top talent. Suryakant’s career is defined by his ability to deliver both speed and depth. His versatile background spans sports journalism, content writing, and editorial roles, helping him navigate fast-paced live coverage and deliver meaningful stories with clarity and precision. Recognition from respected MMA figures such as Nina-Marie Daniele and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping further marks him as a trusted authority in the UFC community.

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Sakshi Jain

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