As the world awaits the official announcement of Superlek Kiatmoo9 vs. Nico Carrillo for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title, it’s clear that this fight will be a true clash of styles
Superlek, with his technical precision and fight IQ, will need to find a way to overcome Carrillo’s height and power.
On the other hand, Carrillo will be looking to use his size and finishing ability to dethrone the champion.
Superlek’s past victories against taller, stronger opponents suggest that he has the tools to solve the Carrillo puzzle.
However, Nico Carrillo is a dangerous contender who cannot be underestimated. With both fighters preparing to bring their best, this title fight promises to be one of the most exciting matchups in recent Muay Thai history. Fans are in for a treat, and regardless of the outcome, this will be a fight to remember.
ONE Friday Fights 81, featuring Superbon vs. Jo Nattawut, is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the year. Both fighters are highly skilled, determined, and hungry for victory.
Fans can expect an intense battle that could go down as one of the best fights in Muay Thai history. Don’t miss it on September 27—this is a fight you won’t want to miss.
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Table of Contents
Superlek’s Challenges with Nico Carrillo
A New Puzzle to Solve
Muay Thai fans around the world are buzzing with anticipation for the eventual collision between Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Scottish fighter Nico Carrillo.1
With both men setting their sights on the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title, the matchup promises to be a masterclass in technical striking, power, and grit.
As reigning champion Superlek prepares to defend his title against Carrillo, there are many questions on how he will handle the significant height and power advantages that Carrillo possesses.
Superlek, a seasoned Muay Thai veteran, has proven himself time and time again against a diverse range of opponents.
From dominating taller, stronger fighters to dismantling world-class competitors, his adaptability and fight IQ have been the keys to his success.
However, Nico Carrillo presents a unique challenge, one that even Superlek’s biggest supporters acknowledge as a potential puzzle for the Thai star. With the height difference and Carrillo’s powerful strikes, Superlek must employ a game plan tailored to neutralizing the Scottish phenom’s attributes.
Superlek’s Record Against Taller Opponents
Superlek’s track record against taller opponents speaks volumes about his ability to adapt and overcome physical disadvantages.
One of the clearest examples is his victory over Nabil Anane, a towering fighter standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm).
Despite Anane’s significant reach and height advantage, Superlek dismantled the Thai-Algerian “giant” in clinical fashion, earning a KO victory and demonstrating once again why he is considered one of the best in the sport.
By cutting angles, using powerful leg kicks, and closing the distance, Superlek effectively neutralized Anane’s reach.
This fight was a prime example of how Superlek expertly adjusts his strategy to nullify an opponent’s strengths. The fight against Carrillo will likely see similar adjustments, with Superlek aiming to break down the Scottish fighter’s height advantage by targeting his legs and body to sap his power and mobility.
The Jonathan Haggerty Knockout: Proof of Superlek’s Ruthlessness
Another highlight of Superlek’s career that reinforces his status as a dangerous champion is his brutal first-round knockout of Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168. Haggerty, known for his striking prowess and resilience, was expected to be a challenging opponent for Superlek.
Yet, the Thai superstar wasted no time in asserting his dominance, landing a vicious barrage of strikes that culminated in a swift KO.
This performance against Haggerty showcased Superlek’s ability to quickly capitalize on weaknesses and finish fights before his opponents can even begin to implement their own game plan.
While Nico Carrillo is a different type of fighter than Haggerty, Superlek’s ability to dictate the pace and land fight-ending strikes early will be a key factor in their upcoming clash.
Nico Carrillo Factor: Powerful Finisher with Height
Nico Carrillo’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of impressive. The Scottish fighter has gained a reputation for his powerful strikes, finishing many of his opponents with knockouts that leave little room for doubt.
Carrillo’s height advantage will be a major factor in his strategy against Superlek, as he will likely aim to use his reach and power to keep the Thai fighter at bay.
Standing at 6 feet tall (183 cm), Carrillo will have a clear height and reach advantage over Superlek, who is listed at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm).
This height difference, combined with Carrillo’s ability to fight at a heavier weight (up to 70 kg or 150 lbs), presents a significant challenge for Superlek.
Carrillo’s power, particularly in his hands and kicks, has allowed him to dominate opponents in the past, and Superlek will need to be mindful of the potential for a fight-ending strike at any moment.
LETTSSS GO TATUM!! #YJ4L #cbugrad2023
— Nico Carrillo (@Nico_Carrillo7) December 13, 2023
Superbon’s Insight on the Matchup
- Superbon Singha Mawynn, the interim featherweight kickboxing world champion and a close observer of Superlek’s career, has weighed in on the potential matchup with Carrillo.
- In an interview with SCMP MMA, Superbon emphasized the importance of Superlek’s game plan in determining the outcome of the fight.
- He pointed out that Carrillo’s size and power could present significant challenges for Superlek, but the Thai champion’s strategic approach could be the deciding factor.
- “But it’s gonna be how Superlek is going to plan to fight him. I think the fight is going to be fun, but it depends on the game plan who will be the better man.
- So, how to deal with a big guy like that who can do a lot of damage, because Carrillo, he can fight at 70kgs [150lbs] so he can get big,” said Superbon. His comments highlight the key aspect of this matchup: strategy.
- Superlek has always been a cerebral fighter, one who meticulously studies his opponents and crafts game plans to exploit their weaknesses.
- Against Carrillo, Superlek will need to use his superior technical skills, particularly his ability to close the distance and work in the clinch, to prevent Carrillo from using his reach to land powerful strikes from a distance.
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Superbon’s Triumphant Return to Muay Thai
Superbon has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports. His versatility, transitioning between kickboxing and Muay Thai, is a testament to his skill and dedication.2
In April, he secured the interim featherweight kickboxing belt, further solidifying his place among the elite in ONE Championship.
Now, Superbon is set to make his return to the Muay Thai ring, a domain where he has showcased his roots and raw talent.
Known for his powerful strikes and precise technique, Superbon’s Muay Thai skills have earned him a global fan base, and his comeback to the sport he loves has fans on the edge of their seats.
His upcoming bout against Jo Nattawut is one of the most anticipated matchups in recent memory.
Aiming for Two-Sport Supremacy
Superbon’s ambitions go beyond merely competing in both Muay Thai and kickboxing—he is determined to achieve two-sport supremacy in ONE Championship.
Superbon’s ability to adapt to different fighting styles has been crucial in his success, and he has set his sights on being the top fighter in both disciplines.
Superbon came close to achieving that goal when he faced Tawanchai PK Saenchai, the reigning featherweight Muay Thai champion, during their intense five-round battle at ONE Fight Night 17.
While Superbon put on an incredible display of skill, he fell short by a slim margin, leaving him hungry for another shot at the title. His upcoming fight against Jo Nattawut is a crucial step toward earning that opportunity and potentially securing his place as a two-sport champion.
The Significance of ONE Friday Fights 81
ONE Friday Fights 81 is more than just another event in the ONE Championship calendar—it’s a platform for some of the world’s best fighters to showcase their skills on a global stage.
With a packed card that features elite athletes from various disciplines, the event has drawn significant attention from fans of martial arts.
For Superbon, this fight represents a chance to solidify his status as one of the greatest in the sport, while for Jo Nattawut, it is an opportunity to score a career-defining victory. The stakes are incredibly high for both fighters, which adds to the intensity and excitement surrounding this showdown.
Moreover, the event will be broadcast live in Asian primetime, allowing fans from across the continent to witness the action as it unfolds.
This exposure not only benefits the fighters but also helps promote the sport of Muay Thai to a broader audience.
Superbon’s Journey to the Top
Superbon’s journey to the pinnacle of combat sports is a story of perseverance, dedication, and unrelenting ambition.3
Born and raised in Thailand, Superbon was introduced to Muay Thai at a young age. Like many Thai fighters, his career began in local circuits, where he quickly made a name for himself due to his technical skill and discipline.
As his reputation grew, Superbon transitioned to kickboxing, where he continued to find success. His ability to seamlessly switch between Muay Thai and kickboxing has made him a unique figure in combat sports, and his victories against some of the sport’s biggest names have only added to his legacy.
His defeat at the hands of Tawanchai, while disappointing, has not diminished his drive. In fact, it has only fueled his desire to return to Muay Thai stronger and more focused.
The fight against Jo Nattawut is his chance to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level and earn another shot at the Muay Thai crown.
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The Tactical Showdown
While both fighters are known for their striking abilities, the upcoming fight is also expected to be a tactical battle. Superbon’s approach to Muay Thai is characterized by precision and technical mastery, while Nattawut relies on his power and aggressive combinations.
Superbon is likely to use his footwork and counter-striking ability to control the pace of the fight, looking to exploit any openings that Nattawut provides. On the other hand, Nattawut will aim to pressure Superbon early, using his power to force Superbon into uncomfortable exchanges.
The contrasting styles make this matchup particularly intriguing. Fans are eager to see if Superbon’s finesse can overcome Nattawut’s power or if Nattawut’s relentless pressure will prove to be too much for Superbon to handle.
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