Superbon on match-winning elbow that shut down Jo Nattawut: “The elbow can stop people with good hands”

Superbon was confident his sneaky elbow strikes would be the difference-maker in his return to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on Friday.

The interim ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion strapped on the four-ounce gloves for just the second time under the promotional banner as he headlined a loaded ONE Friday Fights 81 card opposite one-time title challenger 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut.

With more experience competing in the art of eight limbs, some believed Nattawut held a significant advantage going into the main event clash. Instead, it's Superbon who would see his hand raised after blasting his opponent with a vicious inside elbow strike near the halfway point of the opening round.

Nattawut got back to his feet before the referee's 10-count but was clearly out of it, which prompted the referee to call for the stoppage and award the fight to Superbon.

Speaking with Nick Atkin following the win, Superbon confirmed that blasting Nattawut with some sharp elbows was always part of the plan.

"Yes, of course, this was the game plan," he said. "Because Jo, he has a good hand. So the elbow can stop people with good hands."

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Superbon thanks ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong

Following the win, Superbon was joined by commentator Mitch Chilson in the ring, who informed the ONE world champion that he'd earned not only a win but a $50,000 bonus courtesy of ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong for his highlight-reel finish.

"[For] that I have to thank the ONE Championship boss. But we are in the ONE Championship contract and we can get that money [anytime]."

Superbon has not won back-to-back bouts in 2024, including his interim world title-winning performance against Marat Grigorian at ONE Friday Fights 58 in April. He is now the top-ranked contender in the featherweight kickboxing and Muay Thai divisions.

Does that mean we'll see Superbon run it back with ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai sooner rather than later?

If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE Friday Fights 81 replay on demand via watch.onefc.com.