“Nobody can touch him” - Demetrious Johnson dissects what sets Superlek apart as the best striker in the world

Demetrious Johnson believes that when it comes to kickboxing and Muay Thai, there's nobody better than two-sport king Superlek Kiatmoo9.

After a spectacular 2023 campaign that saw him claim the ONE bantamweight kickboxing crown and bag wins over names like Nabil Anane, Daniel Williams, and Rodtang Jitmuangnon, 'The Kicking Machine' added another 26 pounds of gold to his collection with a jaw-dropping 49-second knockout of Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver to claim the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship.

Johnson, who was sitting ringside in The Mile High City to witness Superlek's history-making victory, recently sang the Thai superstar's praises, dubbing him the GOAT of kickboxing and the art of eight limbs. Speaking on MightyCast, he said:

"I was there live in Denver, Colorado. I feel he’s probably the GOAT right now when it comes to Muay Thai and kickboxing. Nobody can touch him, he’s so systematic."

Check out the full Mighty Cast episode:

With wins over Haggerty, Thai prospect Kongthoranee Sor Sommai, and Japanese kickboxing legend Takeru Segawa in 2024, it should come as no surprise that 'The Kicking Machine' was ONE Championship's Muay Thai and kickboxing Fighter of the Year.

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Superlek out of ONE 170 title fight against Nico Carrillo, Nabil Anane steps in

What comes next for Superlek Kiatmoo9 remains to be seen, but with two world titles around his waist, it's safe to say that some very big fights away from the Thai superstar in 2025.

Originally, he was scheduled to defend his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship against the division's second-ranked contender Nico Carrillo at ONE 170 on Friday, Jan. 24. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury that forced him out of the bout.

Instead, fans will be treated to an interim ONE bantamweight Muay Thai title fight when Carrillo squares off with replacement opponent Nabil Anane.

The winner will then move on to unify their gold with Superlek sometime in 2025.

Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II will air live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Jan. 24 in U.S. primetime.