'Should End in...' - Rodtang Predicts Superlek–Haggerty Fight At ONE 168: Denver

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ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon is deep into preparations for his World Title defense at ONE 169: Atlanta in November, but he'll be one of the millions watching ONE 168: Denver's prolific main event.

This Saturday, 7 September, ONE Championship returns to Colorado for the first time in 15 months, and two-sport ONE Bantamweight World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his Muay Thai crown against flyweight kickboxing overlord Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the main event.

Haggerty has enjoyed a renewed career at bantamweight, and his powerful punches have seen him rise to the very top. On the other hand, Superlek is in the midst of a 10-fight winning streak. That said, Rodtang believes the contest will be as narrow as they come.

"Haggerty's strength is he has been fighting in this division for a long time. He can punch very hard and violently," "The Iron Man" said.

"Superlek's strengths are his powerful kicks and exceptional defensive abilities. I've never seen anyone that can knock Superlek out before."

Having set foot inside the ring with Haggerty and Superlek, Rodtang knows firsthand what both men can do, and he's aware of the frantic pace that will take place once the bell rings.

Like many others, he believes the styles clash will prevent the contest from going all five rounds. But when it comes down to it, Rodtang is rooting for his Thai compatriot to bring home the gold, even if he refuses to rule out Haggerty's size advantage as a deadly factor.

"It has a high chance to end with a KO," Rodtang predicted. "It's hard for me to predict, but in the first round, the two will get to know each other. In the second round, they will start trading weapons. If both of them are careful, it should end in the third or fourth round."

"This match is close. Both are elite fighters and their skills are on par. It'll depend on who makes mistakes first. Jonathan Haggerty has the edge. In terms of weight, he has been fighting in this division for a long time. Anyway, I'll root for [Superlek]."