Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Panpayak Jitmuangnon dominated the semifinals of the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix at ONE Fight Night 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II on Saturday, August 27, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Superlek, currently the #1-ranked contender in the flyweight division, finished Walter Goncalves in 95 seconds with an elbow. On the other side of the bracket, “The Angel Warrior” took down #4-ranked contender Savvas Michael with a hook and head kick combination at the start of round two.
Before “The Kicking Machine” meets #3-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Panpayak in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix Championship Final, we break down three things we are sure to see inside the Circle on that night.
Panpayak Likes To Fight Off The Back Foot
At only 26 years old, Panpayak has established himself as an intelligent fighter who finds all the suitable openings.
He demonstrated his fight IQ when he faced Rui Botelho in his organizational debut in December 2018 at ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS. For a majority of the match, “The Angel Warrior” stayed on the Circle’s outer rim, luring Botelho in, only to unleash a punishing attack when the Portuguese athlete got close enough.
He also displayed this ringcraft when he dropped “The Baby Face Killer” in the Grand Prix semifinal, and it will be demonstrated again when he faces Superlek.
Superlek Uses His Superb Footwork
“The Kicking Machine” has many talents, but his footwork is one of the most notable.
His match with Taiki Naito in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinals at ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot in May displayed how aggressively Superlek can move. The Thai pressured “Silent Sniper” around the Circle, landed powerful kicks, and then maneuvered to safety before his foe could respond.
Many opponents have fallen victim to the 2012 Sports Authority of Thailand Muay Thai Fighter of the Year’s style, including Panpayak. This upcoming bout also marks a rematch between the two in the Circle, as “The Kicking Machine” walked away the victor from their first fight at ONE: NO SURRENDER in July 2020.
The Hunt Will Be On For A Knockout Finish
Both athletes finished their opponents early in their respective Grand Prix matches, and with the tournament’s silver belt and a shot at divisional king Rodtang Jitmuangnon on the line, it’s safe to say they’ll be looking for a spectacular KO in their clash.
Four-time Muay Thai World Champion Superlek will be hedging his #1 spot in the rankings and his 130-29-4 record against Panpayak’s nearly doubled record of 248-41-3. Both athletes have been Lumpinee Stadium World Champions, but seven-time Muay Thai World Champion “The Angel Warrior” also has earned gold from the renowned Rajadamnern Stadium.
With their combined experience, the fight will undoubtedly set off fireworks inside the Circle.
Up next, download the ONE Super App to catch all the action at ONE 161: Petchmorakot vs. Tawanchai on Thursday, September 29, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
