ONE Championship: Superlek Talks Activity Level, Plans To Stop Khalilov’s Momentum

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ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9's competitive spirit is at an all-time high, and he's set to return to action for the fourth time this year on Saturday (July 15).

"The Kicking Machine" will meet Russian thunderbolt Tagir Khalilov in the main event of ONE Fight Night 12, despite having only competed three weeks ago at ONE Friday Fights 22.

Superlek sublimely passed his tallest test yet in Thai prodigy Nabil Anane, stopping the 6-foot-2 flyweight in just over two minutes of the first round to leave Lumpinee Boxing Stadium unscathed.

So after ONE Fight Night 12's previous main event fell through due to injury, Superlek was happy to answer the call against Khalilov as he looks to continue his quest to become a two-sport ONE World Champion.

"I got this offer about a week after I returned to training. I took four days off after my last fight. And then I got an offer, and I accepted it right away. I took another day to rest and began my fight camp," Superlek said.

His opponent, Khalilov, has made quite the reputation for himself in recent times. He's also been willing to jump into a bout on a moment's notice, evident in his promotional debut against ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

More recently, though, he's earned the moniker "The Thai Killer" for stopping two of Thailand's finest in recent time, knocking out Chorfah Tor Sangtiennoi at ONE 164 last December followed by Black Panther in identical fashion at ONE Friday Fights 9 in March.

Although Khalilov is riding a two-fight winning streak, Superlek vows not to become the third Thai victim by stopping the Russian's momentum in the main event of Saturday's martial arts spectacle.

"All of my opponents are dangerous. Tagir is also a tough one. He has good punch combinations. I must watch his hands carefully," Superlek explained. "He knocked out both opponents with his fists. That's his strength.

"But I love to fight with the puncher. Plus, I think he has determination to kill Thai fighters. But I don't want to be his third victim. Absolutely not. Let's see who makes a mistake first in this fight."

It's no secret that "The Kicking Machine" has enjoyed a fruitful 2023, having captured the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title in January against Daniel Puertas, followed by dominant finishes against Danial Williams earlier this year, and, most recently, Anane.

Superlek wants to show that it doesn't matter whether he has months or mere days to prepare by making it four wins on the bounce this Saturday against Khalilov - and an incomparable eight-fight winning streak to boot.

"It depends on how the game will be going. To be honest, I want to finish him. But I know he is strong and persistent. But I really want to know if he can stand on his feet if he happens to take a 'present' I have prepared for him," Superlek teased.

"If I get a clean shot at his vital point, we are not sure if he would survive the fight. I already fought with many heavy hitters. So, I think I can pass through him in this fight, too."