“Superlek is the king” - Demetrious Johnson hopes winner of Rodtang vs Takeru gets a rematch with Superlek

Demetrious Johnson can't see anyone better than two-sport king Superlek.

Over the last couple of years, Superlek Kiatmoo9 has gone from sensation to bonafide superstar after bagging wins over some of the biggest names in all of combat sports, including Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Takeru Segawa, and most recently, Jonathan Haggerty.

On Sunday, March 24, two of Superlek's former opponents — Rodtang and Takeru — will square off in one of the most anticipated fights in ONE Championship history.

While discussing Superlek's recent success alongside ONE Vice President Rich Franklin, Johnson suggested that 'The Kicking Machine' has already established himself as the king of both Muay Thai and kickboxing after beating both Rodtang and Takeru inside the ring.

Of course, that doesn't mean he won't be the first one in line to see the winner of Rodtang vs. Takeru run it back with the reigning two-sport titleholder in 2025.

"Man, I’m excited to see what happens next in ONE Championship," Johnson said on his MightyCast podcast. "I think the biggest fight we’re looking forward to is Rodtang versus Takeru because both those guys, I mean, they both fought Superlek. I think Superlek is the king when it comes to kickboxing and Muay Thai because he’s beaten both of those guys, and he also knocked out Jonathan Haggerty."

ONE 172 will emanate from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Sunday, March 23. Visit ONE Championship’s official website to sign up for early bird tickets to one of the most anticipated events of 2025.

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Superlek awaits the winner of ONE 170 showdown between Nico Carrillo and Nabil Anane

Originally, Superlek was set to defend his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship on Friday, January 24, when ONE Championship heads back to Impact Arena in Bangkok for ONE 170.

Sadly, 'The Kicking Machine' was forced to bow out of the bout due to a knee injury.

Now, top-five-ranked contenders Nico Carrillo and Nabil Anane will face each other to crown an interim ONE bantamweight Muay Thai titleholder.

A victory will not only score them their first 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold, but it will also set the stage for a title unification clash against Superlek once the Thai superstar is cleared to return.

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