Superlek admits he’s had a tough time adjusting to the kickboxing rule set

ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 admitted to having a tough time adjusting to the kickboxing rule set after having fought most of his career in Muay Thai.

The Thai superstar returns to action on March 24 to defend his newly-acquired kickboxing belt against fellow Thai striker ‘The Iron Man’ Rodtang Jitmuangon at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video. Their highly-anticipated showdown will bring some added power to the already stacked fight card with their technical prowess and knockout abilities.

However, as Superlek recently admitted in an interview, fighting under the kickboxing ruleset will be his biggest disadvantage against Rodtang. Speaking to ONE Championship, ‘The Kicking Machine’ elaborated further by saying:

“Rodtang’s basics depend on punch and kick in a Muay Thai fight. He doesn’t use elbows that much. That’s why his style is compatible with kickboxing rules. He didn’t need to adjust. But for me, I had to adapt a lot. I am still concerned about how I accidentally use clinch, elbows, or knees in kickboxing.”

Indeed, under the global kickboxing ruleset, only punches, kicks, and knees are allowed. All others, including clinch fighting, elbow strikes, sweeps and throws, are illegal.

As we saw in Superlek’s last kickboxing match against Spain’s Daniel Puertas for the vacant belt, the Thai superstar had difficulties sticking to the sport’s ruleset. He got a point deducted and a yellow card for utilizing the clinch to ward off his opponent’s pressure-forward fighting style.

Although Superlek won on the judges’ scorecards by unanimous decision, if he doesn’t adjust to the rules in time, it could cost him his belt.

ONE Fight Night 8 will be broadcast live and for free for American audiences with an Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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Superlek stunned fans with his incredible speed, technique, and power ahead of ONE Fight Night 8

As the fight gets closer, Superlek Kiatmoo9 is making sure he’s in peak physical condition ahead of his blockbuster kickboxing fight at ONE Fight Night 8.

Understanding the challenges ahead, Superlek has focused a lot of energy on getting his leg kicks and timing on point, since most of the fight will be utilizing body kicks, knees, and punches.

Check out the Instagram post below:

Fans immediately took to Instagram to share their reactions, with one fan saying:

“In perfect sync with the clock on the wall 👌🏻🔥.”

Another person added:

“1 rib kick = broken ribs”