Keys to victory for Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek's bantamweight Muay Thai title match at ONE 168

Jonathan Haggerty (L) and Superlek (R) | Image credit: ONE Championship
Jonathan Haggerty (L) and Superlek (R) | Image credit: ONE Championship

The main event of ONE 168: Denver certainly has all the makings of an instant classic.

Two-sport bantamweight world Jonathan Haggerty will take on his toughest challenger yet in reigning flyweight kickboxing kingpin Superlek Kiatmoo9 this Friday, September 6, at Ball Arena.

But for 'The General' to retain his 145-pound Muay Thai belt, he must tread lightly and follow the game plan to a tee.

The first order of business is to swarm 'The Kicking Machine' with activity. 'The General' can't afford to simply throw single power shots since Superlek is a cerebral counter-striker who is a master when it comes to reading patterns.

His best bet is to pepper the Thai tactician with sheer volume and put him on the defensive early and often.

Next, one of the most underrated aspects of Haggerty's game is his nimble footwork and breakneck speed. Even at bantamweight, the Brit has retained this incredible agility and he must use this to his full advantage.

If he can run circles around Superlek, Denver's altitude could come into play. This could force the challenger to empty the gas tank early and leave him vulnerable in the championship rounds.

Lastly, Haggerty must be wary at all times of Superlek's deceptively potent elbows.

Distance management will be crucial for the 27-year-old star since he also loves to get up close and personal to land his own signature tomahawk elbows.


Superlek's keys to victory at ONE 168

For Superlek to conquer a second weight class at ONE 168, he must stick to what he does best. The Kiatmoo9 star is feared for chopping down his opponents' lower body with his slapping leg kicks.

A big part of Haggerty's attack comes from his elite movement. 'The Kicking Machine' will have more opportunities to land his strikes if he can hinder Haggerty's ability to move, especially if this goes the full five rounds.

'The General' does have a quick first step, which he uses to land his devilish haymakers. To counter this, Superlek must decipher the double champ's patterns as soon as possible.

When he does, those sharp step-in elbows of his should be the perfect rebuttal to the Brit's aggressiveness. Haggerty would think twice about bridging the gap if he got cut by one of those elbows.

Lastly, Superlek must show Haggerty why he's called 'The Kicking Machine'. The Thai warrior must go for the killing blow if given the smallest of openings and uncork his best weapon to claim 26 pounds of gold.

ONE 168: Denver is free for Prime Video subscribers in North America.

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Edited by C. Naik
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