The highly anticipated Muay Thai clash on September 22 during the main event of ONE Friday Fights 34 witnessed Superlek Kiatmoo9 delivering Rodtang Jitemuangnon his first loss in ONE Championship’s striking rules. Despite ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek’s failure to make weight, turning the contest into a 140-pound catch weight event, the two Thai fighters put on a timeless display at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
The tried-and-true friendship between the two fighters was shortly shelved as the bout started. Superlek used his powerful right kicks to counter Rodtang’s punch combinations. Even though Rodtang, also known as “The Iron Man,” showed his usual resilience and even landed a surprise elbow strike, Superlek’s strategic use of potent kicks began to slow him down.
Superlek seized control of the fight’s rhythm after inflicting some heavy damage on Rodtang’s legs. Finding himself in the driver’s seat, Superlek didn’t hesitate to take advantage. He pushed Rodtang, the reigning flyweight Muay Thai champion, to the ropes and unleashed a devastating knee strike, followed by an elbow that sent Rodtang down for an eight-count.
Yet, the knockdown did not impact Rodtang’s confidence, paving the way for a thrilling third round. Both combatants gave it their all, with Rodtang throwing a flurry of punches and occasional elbows, but Superlek was able to both absorb and counter these with a series of clean strikes.
In conclusion, the grandest Muay Thai battle in recent memory lived up to the hype. It was a nine-minute spectacle that showcased the pinnacle of skill from two of the sport’s finest representatives.
The Ultimate Guide to Watching Rodtang vs. Superlek: ONE Friday Fights 34 Live Stream & Complete List of Fights
The monumental 4 oz Muay Thai battle is here.
We are moments away from the most anticipated bout in contemporary Muay Thai at ONE Friday Fights 34, featuring a showdown between the legendary Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9. Fans have eagerly been waiting for this clash of the titans. Aside from this, the event also showcases a number of electrifying MThai fights, a pair of MMA matches and a kickboxing face-off. Here’s your comprehensive guide to ONE Friday Fights 34: Rodtang vs. Superlek.
Live Streaming and Start Time for Rodtang vs. Superlek
ONE Friday Fights 34 is set for live streaming on the official ONE Championship’s YouTube channel on Friday, September 22 at the renowned Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Streaming will commence at 6:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. BST), with the main event set to start around 10 p.m. ET (5 p.m. ET), contingent on the duration of earlier fights.
Complete List of Fights at ONE Friday Fights 34
- Lito Adiwang vs. Adrian Mattheis – Strawweight MMA
- Chen Rui vs. Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg – Bantamweight MMA
- Jomhod Auto MuayThai vs. Songchainoi Kiatsongrit – Catchweight Muay Thai
- Suakim Sor Jor Thongprajin vs. Saman Ashouri – Catchweight Muay Thai
- Sibmuen Sitchefboontham vs. Miguel Trindade – Catchweight Muay Thai
- Prajanchai PK Saenchai vs. Akram Hamidi – Strawweight Kickboxing
- Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai vs. Tyson Harrison – Bantamweight Muay Thai
- Seksan Or Kwanmuang vs. Amir Naseri – Catchweight Muay Thai
- Muangthai PK Saenchai vs. Yodlekpet Or Atchariya – Catchweight Muay Thai
- Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Superlek Kiatmoo9 – Fly
ONE Championship: Superlek Exceeds Weight Limit, Title Bout against Rodtang at Friday Fights 34 Adjusted
- Superlek weighs in 5lbs over the limit for the main event, rendering Rodtang’s Muay Thai title off the table in Bangkok
- Despite this, Rodtang agrees to a catchweight bout to ‘demonstrate his superiority’ and ‘ensure the world doesn’t miss out on the spectacle’
A curveball was thrown in the anticipation of the main event of ONE Championship flyweight Muay Thai title fight between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmookao, with Superlek failing to meet the weight requirement.
Touted by ONE’s Chairman and CEO Chatri as “the most significant Muay Thai fight in half a century”, the title will not be up for grabs at Friday Fights 34, due to Superlek weighing in 5lbs over the limit at the official weigh-ins and hydration tests on Thursday.
The match will now be a super fight of three rounds, with a catchweight of 140lbs at Lumpinee Stadium.
Rodtang, also known as “The Iron Man”, agreed to the adjusted terms despite the significant weight discrepancy, eager to prove his prowess to the world. He emphasized his desire for the global audience and his homeland of Thailand to witness the match.
Prem Fairtex, the managing director of ONE Championship Thailand, communicated to the Post that a fighter’s responsibility extends to maintaining weight, especially when they hold a world champion title. He asserted that the inability to meet weight lies solely with the fighter. Regardless, he expressed satisfaction with Rodtang’s professionalism and his readiness to fight Superlek at a catchweight.
All fighters participating in the ONE Friday Fights 34 weighed in on Thursday at the event location in the Thai capital. The promotion’s protocol for Friday Fights cards did not allow media presence during the weigh-ins or face-offs, deviating from the practice at ONE Fight Night events.
Superlek barely passed his hydration test, coming in at 1.0248—the limit being 1.0250—but weighed in exactly at 140lbs. Rodtang, on the other hand, was well within the 135lbs limit, weighing 134.4lbs, and produced a hydration test reading of 1.0172.
Prem suggested that Superlek should revisit his training and diet regimen, and reassess his choice of weight class for future bouts. He emphasized that Superlek will need to make this decision if he wishes to continue competing with them, possibly requiring a change in his nutrition.
Officials confirmed that all other nine bouts on the card are good to proceed on Friday, with no other weight-related issues.
Prem still anticipates the event to be extraordinary, expecting Rodtang and Superlek’s showdown to be an electrifying spectacle. He asserts that Rodtang is committed to giving his all, assuring fans that the main event will be worth their while.
Both Superlek and Rodtang have faced challenges with maintaining their weight in the past year, with several instances of scale failures.
