As the sun sets on September 22, Muay Thai enthusiasts from every corner of the globe will have their eyes glued to ONE Friday Fights 34. The grandeur of the evening can’t be overstated, as the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium prepares to play host to what many are calling the Muay Thai showdown of the century.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the undefeated stalwart of ONE’s flyweight Muay Thai division, steps in to defend his title against none other than Superlek Kiatmoo9. With Rodtang’s streak of 14 undefeated bouts and Superlek’s impressive record marred by just one defeat in 12 fights, the anticipation is palpable.
For many, this is the Muay Thai clash of the past two decades, with the added flair that both fighters are native Thais. Rodtang’s charismatic presence in the ring and his electrifying combat style have garnered him a fan base that spans continents. Yet, facing him is Superlek, aptly named “The Iron Man’s” nemesis, who has the potential to catapult himself into unprecedented stardom with a win against his fellow countryman. A triumph for “The Kicking Machine” wouldn’t just crown him in two combat disciplines but could also make him an overnight international sensation.
The Card’s Magnificent Prelude
Before this electrifying main event, the night promises an array of thrilling bouts. Starting the evening is the strawweight MMA face-off between the “Papua Badboy”, Adrian Mattheis, and Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang. Mattheis, having knocked out former champion Alex Silva, seeks to solidify his reputation, while Adiwang is determined to climb back to the top-five rankings.
The event also features an eagerly awaited kickboxing bout. Prajanchai PK Saenchai, coming off a stellar victory over Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, will test his mettle against Algerian prodigy Akram “La Pépite” Hamidi. As Prajanchai steps into the world of kickboxing, he’ll be up against Hamidi, who displayed his formidable skills by knocking out Jomhod Auto MuayThai.
Meanwhile, the bantamweight Muay Thai division sees “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai take on Australian sensation Tyson “John Wayne Noi” Harrison. With each fighter bringing their unique style and energy, this clash is bound to leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Insight from the Greats
Anatoly Malykhin, sharing his excitement, proclaimed, “This will be, in my opinion, the Muay Thai fight of the century for the entire world… They are unbreakable warriors.” He adds that missing this event on TV would be a regretful oversight for any fan.
Jonathan Haggerty weighed in with his prediction, mentioning the deciding factor could be the 4-ounce gloves. He said, “I feel like Superlek’s got a lot more skill, but in 4-ounce gloves, is Superlek going to be able to stand there and take punches from Rodtang?”
As Lumpinee Boxing Stadium opens its gates for ONE Friday Fights 34, history will be written, legacies will be carved, and fans worldwide will witness an unparalleled display of skill, passion, and determination. Whether you’re a die-hard Muay Thai aficionado or a casual observer, this evening promises a spectacle like no other. So, mark your calendars and brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions and breathtaking bouts.
