Rodtang & Superlek Set for ONE Championship Muay Thai World Grand Prix
The stage is set for two of Muay Thai’s hottest superstars - Rodtang and Superlek - to stamp their dominance of the sport at ONE Championship’s Flyweight Muay Thai Grand Prix quarterfinals that will be a part of the ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot this Friday, May 20.
The two Muay Thai icons will be competing in the 8-man tournament that will determine the best flyweight (135 lb.) in the sport.
Rodtang (267 wins-42 losses-10 draws) will face Jacob Smith, an aggressive all-action fighter from the UK. The similarities in their styles guarantee that their fight will feature explosive fireworks throughout or for how long the fight lasts. Smith has a combined Muay Thai and kickboxing record of 14 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw and happens to train out of Bad Company gym, where superstar and fellow British fighter, Liam Harrison trains.
Fresh from his foray into MMA against the legendary Demetrious Johnson, Rodtang is looking to get back on the winning track. He is still the reigning ONE Muay Thai Flyweight champion and winning the Grand Prix will cement his place as one of the best, if not the best, in the sport.
On the other hand, Superlek will take on dangerous Japanese striker, Taiki Naito. Fresh from winning the True4U 140lbs title at Rajadamnern Stadium, Superlek (128 wins-29 losses-4 draws) is raring to get a win again at ONE after his last bout for the promotion. He failed in his attempt to win the flyweight kickboxing title from Ilias Ennahachi, losing by a controversial decision at ONE: Fists of Fury last year. So naturally, Superlek is extra-motivated to make his mark at the tournament.
Naito (34 wins-8 losses) has been highly successful in the promotion, winning 5 of his 6 bouts there. The lone defeat came at the hands of former flyweight Muay Thai champion, Jonathan Haggerty.
The other participants in the Grand Prix include former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion, Jonathan Haggerty, who will face former title challenger, Walter Goncalves, of Brazil. Completing the participants of the 8-man tournament are Savvas Michael of Cyprus, who will meet Amir Naseri of Iran / Malaysia.
ONE 157, will feature other notable Muay Thai matches. The main event will highlight the return of ONE Featherweight Muay Thai champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee. He’ll defend his title against Jimmy Vienot of France. The co-main event will feature the strawweight Muay Thai world championship, to be defended by reigning champion Prajanchai PK. Saenchai of Thailand against Joseph Lasiri of Italy / Morocco.
ONE 157 will be broadcasted on Friday, May 20, starting at 4:30 PM (Singapore time) for the lead card, while the main card will start at 8:30 PM (Singapore time). Check out ONE Championship’s social media pages and local listings for more details and stay connected to us on our own social media pages for the results.
