ONE Fight Night 8 preview and predictions: Superlek vs. Danial Williams

Superlek Kiatmoo9’s first world title defense of his flyweight kickboxing throne is finally here at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video this Friday, March 24, inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Originally set to face his fellow Thai world champion, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, ‘The Kicking Machine’ has a new challenger after ‘The Iron Man’ sustained a lower back injury in training.

Enter Danial Williams, who is ready to seize the biggest opportunity of his professional career so far.

‘Mini T’ is not just happy to simply be here. He wants to make Superlek’s reign a short-lived one and begin his own ascent as ONE world champion.

The Australian-Thai fighter makes his return to all-striking matches after a successful venture in mixed martial arts, where he went 3-1 inside the circle.

Williams, who’s ranked fifth in both the Muay Thai and MMA’s strawweight divisions, will now be lacing up the 8 oz. gloves in a bid to dethrone a dominant fighter with no apparent weaknesses in his game.

Although not as flashy as his compatriot Rodtang, Superlek Kiatmoo9 has quietly made a name for himself with sensational performances in the Singapore-based promotion. The Kiatmoo9 superstar won eight of his nine matches in the circle.

The 27-year-old put up a near-flawless victory Daniel Puertas last time out to claim the vacant flyweight kickboxing throne.

With that in mind, Sportskeeda MMA’s ONE Championship team once again made their picks for this exciting kickboxing war.

ONE Fight Night 8: Superlek vs. Williams on Prime Video will stream live in US primetime and is free for all Amazon Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Ben Imperial: Superlek via unanimous decision

This is essentially the third version of this card's main event, but I believe we're not shortchanged at all by getting Danial Williams and Superlek for the kickboxing world title.

Superlek Kiatmoo9 is easily one of the top strikers in the division, while Williams is one of the most exciting fighters in the lower weight classes.

That's saying a lot, considering this crop of guys includes fighters like Demetrious Johnson, Jarred Brooks, and Rodtang Jitmuangnon, just to name a few. No one will come in with an advantage, as both were preparing for a completely different opponent.

While Williams has mentioned that he essentially "manifested" this opportunity, taking the belt is a whole different story, especially considering the level of his opponent. Despite the late notice, this match has "Fight of the Night" written all over it because of the participants in this event.

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Vince Richards: Superlek via unanimous decision

This one is sure to bring the fireworks. ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 is in his first world title defense while Danial Williams will be heading into the biggest fight of his career.

Not only did Williams take this fight on short notice, he’s also jumping up a weight class to challenge Superlek. This will be tough for both since Superlek will have all the pressure on him in his first title defense.

Williams, meanwhile, is heading into uncharted territory. I see this fight going a violent five rounds, but I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them loses their consciousness amid the maelstrom of strikes thrown at each other.

Superlek Kiatmoo9, though, has the size and length advantage, not to mention that he’s at his natural weight class.

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Ted Razon: Superlek Kiatmoo9 via third-round knockout

While the odds are certainly stacked against Danial Williams, I still see him putting on a good show against the mighty Superlek.

Although undersized against the bigger world champion, ‘Mini T’ said he had an amazing camp for his original opponent, Rui Botelho. Plus, we know he has the skills and frightening KO power to knock anyone out if he finds a home for those haymakers of his.

Then again, many of Superlek Kiatmoo9’s past opponents employed the same high-pressure tactic that Williams uses, and most of them failed to find his chin. Superlek is an elusive fighter who picks his opponents apart once he gets a sense of their rhythm.

Remember, this is also Williams’ kickboxing debut and he already drew the biggest fish in the pond. Williams may have his moments if he can back Superlek Kiatmoo9 into a corner and drop bombs.

However, I see the Thai running circles around him with his movement and counterstriking and finishing him in a similar manner like he did to Walter Goncalves.