What’s Next For Superlek After ONE 168: Denver?

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ONE 168: Denver marked an evening filled with historic moments for ONE Championship, but nobody had a more iconic night than the newly minted two-sport, two-weight ONE World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.

"The Kicking Machine" dispatched former two-sport king Jonathan Haggerty in just 49 seconds to add the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship to his flourishing list of accolades this past Saturday, 7 September, inside Denver, Colorado's Ball Arena.

Having reached a new summit and having acquired a new belt, the Thai great has plenty of options at his disposal for his next outing. So let's look at what could be next for Superlek.

What's next for Superlek after ONE 168?

1. Jonathan Haggerty's ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title: Throughout his 11-fight tear in ONE, Superlek has been untouchable. Everybody he's come up against has fallen to his unrelenting prowess, and he's made it clear he's far from done when it comes to picking up more World Titles.

Speaking at the post-fight press conference at ONE 168, the double-champ said he fancies another pivotal showdown with Haggerty - this time with the Brit's ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title on the line.

Should they face off in bigger gloves, it would give Haggerty a chance to seek redemption against Superlek. But for "The Kicking Machine," he could further etch his name in the history books with a second ONE kickboxing crown around his waist.

2. Rodtang Rematch On U.S. Soil: The combat sports world watched in awe when Superlek collided with ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in September 2023 at ONE Friday Fights 34. And both men know a rematch with gold on the line would be that much bigger.

Rodtang's flyweight belt should have been up for grabs last time, but "The Kicking Machine" missed weight, making it a 140-pound catchweight contest that Superlek came away victorious from via unanimous decision.

Over the weekend, talk of a second encounter between the legendary Thais made headlines - this time on U.S. soil where both men have now introduced themselves to the Western audience after dominant showings.

Should the second encounter come to fruition, the combat sports world would surely watch on with bated breath as two of the biggest and best pure strikers in the world collide one more time.

3. Nico "King of the North" Carrillo: Away from super-fights and back to divisional rankings, the next logical bout would be for Superlek to defend his newly attained bantamweight Muay Thai crown against #1-ranked contender Nico Carrillo.

"King of the North" has made short work of all comers since arriving via the ONE Friday Fights series. In three of his four wins, Carrillo has destroyed standout Thais in divisional stalwart Muangthai PK Saenchai, former bantamweight ruler Nong-O Hama, and brutal brawler Saemapetch Fairtex.

The Scotsman has quickly developed a reputation as the Thai crusher. And with an opportunity to face the pound-for-pound best striker in the world, now's the time for Carrillo to pull the trigger on his shot at superstardom. But Superlek would further cement his legacy with another clinical performance.