“I was hyped” - Superlek Kiatmoo9 recalls getting pumped up after his staredown with Jonathan Haggerty in Bangkok

The feud between Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmoo9 isn't exactly the most heated in ONE Championship, but it still holds a deep lore within the Muay Thai community.

Things, however, could end up boiling over following their impromptu meeting at ONE Friday Fights 72 in July.

Haggerty was at the Lumpinee Stadium to corner his younger brother Freddie against Kaichon Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang, while Superlek was in the building for a fan meet and greet.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Superlek Kiatmoo9 recalled what went through his mind when they met rather unexpectedly in the middle of the ring.

The ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion said he got goosebumps during their standoff inside the iconic Bangkok stadium.

Superlek said:

"I got goosebumps. Haggerty, we were pushing, I was hyped. He's bigger, but I don't think it means much on September 6th. Let's see how much it matters."

Superlek already holds a win over the two-sport world champion when they squared off at Yokkao in 2018, a few years before both men eventually found themselves under the ONE Championship banner.

Nearly six years after their first meeting, the two world champions will meet for a rematch with much bigger stakes.

Superlek will challenge Haggerty for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title in the main event of ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 at the Ball Arena in Colorado.

Tickets for ONE 168 are available at Ticketmaster.

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Superlek Kiatmoo9 reveals that he has hired a sports science expert ahead of super fight against Jonathan Haggerty

Superlek Kiatmoo9 is making sure he's leaving no stone unturned ahead of his world title challenge against Jonathan Haggerty.

The Thai superstar revealed in an interview with ONE Championship that he has enlisted the help of a sports science expert in his training camp leading up to the fight.

Superlek said that the sports science expert has played an important role in his preparation for his rematch against Haggerty, who also holds the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title, in Denver.

He said:

"He joined my team in June. We've been working closely since. We've spent a lot of time together, working on customized plans. We're close."