When Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9 finally met in the ONE Championship ring on September 22, 2023, it felt less like a regular Muay Thai bout and more like a national celebration — or perhaps, a civil war of the highest technical level.

Both fighters represented the elite of modern Muay Thai. Both were world champions. Both were seen as near-invincible in their respective styles. And when they collided under the bright lights of ONE Friday Fights at Lumpinee Stadium, it was the dream matchup fans had begged for — and it delivered.

This was more than a title eliminator. It was a moment where artistry, aggression, legacy, and national pride all exploded in five breathtaking rounds.

The Stakes: Power vs Precision

Rodtang came into the fight as the reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, undefeated in ONE’s Muay Thai circuit, and a fan-favorite for his walk-forward, iron-chinned, never-back-down style. His fights were always wars — he turned damage into drama, punishment into performance.

Superlek, on the other hand, was the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion, a technician’s technician. Known for his lightning-fast teeps, impeccable distance control, and surgical right kicks, he fought with poise and economy — a chess master with shinbones.

The two fighters had danced around each other for years. Matchmaking politics and injuries delayed what seemed inevitable. But in 2023, it finally happened. And it was worth every second of the wait.

Round One: Controlled Fire

Rodtang did what Rodtang always does: he walked forward. No feeling-out period. Just pressure — fast, heavy, and constant.

Superlek, unfazed, used his teep to manage distance, snapping it to Rodtang’s midsection like a whip. He pivoted, kicked, and stayed just outside the pocket, landing precise right roundhouse kicks to Rodtang’s arms and ribs.

Rodtang smiled through it, occasionally taunting, looking for an opening. He landed a few heavy punches, but Superlek’s movement kept him mostly out of danger.

Still, the message was clear: this was going to be a war of styles — one built on attrition and explosion, the other on range and rhythm.

Rounds Two and Three: A Shifting Tide

By the second round, Rodtang was beginning to break through. His signature elbows found their way inside during clinch entries. His body shots thudded against Superlek’s ribs. The champion was now mixing patience with brutality.

But Superlek didn’t fold.

In round three, he began timing Rodtang’s aggression with precision counters. A step-back right elbow opened a cut on Rodtang’s forehead. The crowd roared. The technical master had drawn blood.

Still, Rodtang surged. He threw hooks and low kicks with reckless intent. At one point, he absorbed three unanswered body kicks just to land a single right hand — and it shook Superlek’s legs.

It was no longer a technical battle — it had become emotional.

Round Four: The Turning Point

Round four was, perhaps, the most dramatic of the fight. Rodtang stormed forward, pouring on pressure. He landed multiple right hooks, cornered Superlek, and cracked him with elbows that would have folded most fighters. The momentum had clearly shifted.

But Superlek showed why he’s one of the most respected technicians in the game. With his back against the ropes, he fired off a spinning elbow that glanced off Rodtang’s temple. He resumed his kicking rhythm, scoring clean and staying composed under fire.

Blood streamed from both fighters now. Neither blinked. Neither backed off. And the Lumpinee crowd — packed wall-to-wall — was thunderous.

Round Five: Pure Heart

In the final round, both fighters went for broke.

Rodtang threw bombs — wild hooks and jumping knees. Superlek stayed mobile, slipping and returning fire with sharp jabs and body kicks. Both men knew the fight was close. Both acted like they needed the round to win.

And when the final bell rang, they embraced — not as rivals, but as warriors who had taken each other to the edge.

The Verdict: Superlek via Unanimous Decision

The judges awarded Superlek the unanimous decision, primarily due to his cleaner strikes and more consistent scoring over five rounds. Rodtang’s moments were brutal and explosive, but Superlek had maintained range, composure, and landed more consistently — especially with his kicks and elbows.

It was not a robbery. It was a razor-close fight between two of the best in the world, judged fairly by Muay Thai’s traditional criteria.

Still, it left the door wide open for a rematch — and many called for it immediately.

Why It Mattered

This wasn’t just a super fight. It was a philosophical war:

• Rodtang, with his aggressive, fan-friendly brawling style, brought the warrior’s soul.
• Superlek, with his precision and poise, brought the technician’s mind.

Together, they showed the world why Muay Thai is known as the Art of Eight Limbs — and why it is so much more than just a striking contest. It is a language. A culture. A performance.

And this fight? It was Shakespeare in shin guards.

Aftermath and Legacy

After the bout, both fighters expressed mutual respect. Rodtang hinted at wanting revenge — and fans worldwide supported the call. Whether in a Muay Thai or kickboxing rematch, or even a trilogy, one thing was clear:

Rodtang vs Superlek is a rivalry for the ages.

Both men emerged as legends. And both proved that Muay Thai, when showcased on a global stage with the right rules and stakes, is one of the most electrifying combat sports on Earth.