One of the biggest rematches in the striking world could be headed to U.S. soil – and it would feature two Thai athletes.

Last Friday, September 6, in the main event of ONE 168: Denver, “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 moved up in weight to capture the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title with an electrifying knockout of British sensation Jonathan “The General” Haggerty.

Chatri Sityodtong teases a new exciting matchup to take place on the US soil

That bout took place live in U.S. primetime in front of a raucous Colorado crowd at Denver’s Ball Arena and marked the Thai’s much-anticipated North American debut.

With the win, Superlek entered the rarified air of a two-sport World Champion, adding to his trophy case that already included the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.

While the Thai’s knockout of Haggerty was both stunning and dramatic, perhaps more surprising was the enthusiastic reception from American fans.

After the event, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong spoke about Superlek’s drawing power in the U.S. and said that a potential rematch between “The Kicking Machine” and long-reigning flyweight Muay Thai kingpin Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon could take place in America:

“Superlek got a bigger ovation than Haggerty. I was shocked. So it is possible that we will do Rodtang [Jitmuangnon] versus Superlek II in the U.S. It’s very possible. That is a huge fight, a global fight.”

ONE chairman has nothing but praise for the two Thais

The two Thai superstars first squared off in a catchweight bout in September 2023 at ONE Friday Fights 34 in Bangkok. That night, Superlek scored a hard-fought, three-round decision that was widely regarded as one of the best Muay Thai fights of the year.

Given the action-packed nature of that fight, fans around the globe are certainly hungry for a rematch.

And, considering how American fans seem to love both Superlek and Rodtang, Sityodtong believes the rematch could take place on U.S. soil.

He added, “It doesn’t matter if it’s two Thais. These are pound-for-pound two of the best strikers on the planet. People want to watch that. It doesn’t matter what country you’re from. They want to see the beauty, the artistry, and the technique – the pinnacle of striking arts.”