The rivalry of Rodtang vs Superlek has become the defining storyline of modern Muay Thai. Both fighters are at the peak of their powers, both are world champions, and both symbolize completely different philosophies of the sport. Their first clash in ONE Championship at Lumpinee Stadium in 2023 was historic, but the debate over who is the true king remains unresolved.
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Rodtang Jitmuangnon – The Iron Man
In the Rodtang vs Superlek debate, Rodtang brings the fire. Nicknamed the “Iron Man,” he is famous for walking through punishment and smiling in the face of danger. His style is relentless, overwhelming opponents with forward pressure and heavy combinations.
- Style in Rodtang vs Superlek context: Non-stop aggression, hooks, elbows, low kicks.
- Strengths: Granite chin, stamina, intimidating aura.
- Weakness: Often sacrifices defense for entertainment.
- Achievements: ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion; key wins over Jonathan Haggerty, Joseph Lasiri, and Jacob Smith.
Rodtang in the Rodtang vs Superlek rivalry embodies the “people’s champion” — a fighter who bleeds for the crowd and inspires fans around the globe.
Superlek Kiatmoo9 – The Kicking Machine
On the other side of Rodtang vs Superlek stands Superlek, the “Kicking Machine.” He represents Muay Thai’s technical mastery, using precision kicks and patience to frustrate aggressive fighters.
- Style in Rodtang vs Superlek context: Mid-range control with teeps and round kicks.
- Strengths: Accuracy, fight IQ, calmness under fire.
- Weakness: Can be overly cautious when pressured.
- Achievements: ONE Flyweight Kickboxing Champion; Lumpinee and Rajadamnern titles; wins over Panpayak, Tagir Khalilov — and Rodtang himself.
In the Rodtang vs Superlek rivalry, Superlek stands as the purist’s king, admired for discipline and technical beauty.
Fighting Styles Compared in Rodtang vs Superlek
The clash of styles in Rodtang vs Superlek highlights two opposite approaches to Muay Thai. Rodtang thrives as a relentless brawler, pushing forward with hooks, elbows, and low kicks while relying on his toughness to overwhelm opponents. His aggression and stamina make him dangerous, though his defense often takes a back seat to nonstop pressure. Superlek, on the other hand, embodies the technical side of the sport, using his signature right body kick and sharp teeps to control range and frustrate attackers. His strength lies in timing, precision, and composure, though at times he can appear too cautious. Together, the contrast makes Rodtang vs Superlek one of the most compelling style matchups in modern Muay Thai.
| Aspect | Rodtang | Superlek |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Relentless brawler | Technical kicker |
| Weapon | Hooks, elbows, low kicks | Right body kick, teep |
| Strength | Aggression, toughness | Precision, fight IQ |
| Weakness | Reckless defense | Can be too passive |
Their Legendary Clash – Rodtang vs Superlek (ONE Friday Fights 2023)
The first real chapter of Rodtang vs Superlek was written in September 2023 at Lumpinee Stadium, billed as one of the biggest Muay Thai events of the decade.
- The Fight:
- Rodtang charged forward, swinging hooks and elbows, forcing exchanges.
- Superlek stayed disciplined, firing his signature right body kick and countering effectively.
- The Result:
- Superlek won via unanimous decision, judges favoring accuracy over pressure.
- The Debate:
- Many fans argued Rodtang’s aggression should have scored higher.
- Others praised Superlek’s discipline and technical dominance.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | ONE Friday Fights, Lumpinee Stadium – September 2023 |
| The Fight | Rodtang pressed forward with hooks & elbows, Superlek countered with kicks |
| The Result | Superlek won via unanimous decision, judges valued accuracy |
| The Debate | – Fans: Rodtang’s aggression undervalued – Purists: Superlek’s technique superior |
That night, the Rodtang vs Superlek rivalry officially became one of the sport’s greatest storylines, sparking global discussions and setting up demand for a rematch.
Who is the True King in Rodtang vs Superlek?
The answer depends on what qualities you value most in a champion.
- Rodtang’s Case: Longest ONE Muay Thai reign, global superstar, unmatched entertainment value.
- Superlek’s Case: Holds the head-to-head win, titles across Muay Thai and kickboxing, admired for technical brilliance.
For many, Rodtang vs Superlek is more than a fight — it’s a clash of philosophies: Rodtang embodies heart and fire, while Superlek symbolizes skill and control.
Fan Perspectives on Rodtang vs Superlek
The rivalry has also split the fanbase. Rodtang’s supporters love his toughness and showmanship, seeing him as the fighter who makes Muay Thai exciting for casual audiences worldwide. Superlek’s fans, on the other hand, admire his patience, timing, and precision, believing he represents the true essence of the sport.
This divide makes Rodtang vs Superlek unique — both sides have strong cases, and both men are equally respected.
The Future of Rodtang vs Superlek
The story is far from over. A rematch seems inevitable, and perhaps even a trilogy:
- Under Muay Thai rules, Rodtang could use his aggression to equalize.
- Under Kickboxing rules, Superlek may continue to dominate.
Whatever happens, the Rodtang vs Superlek rivalry guarantees that Muay Thai will stay in the global spotlight for years to come.
Quick Comparison – Rodtang vs Superlek
| Aspect | Rodtang Jitmuangnon | Superlek Kiatmoo9 |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Aggressive brawler, constant pressure | Technical kicker, patient counter-fighter |
| Strengths | Toughness, stamina, crowd appeal | Precision, fight IQ, discipline |
| Weaknesses | Sacrifices defense, reckless at times | Can be too passive in brawls |
| Legacy Position | People’s Champion | Purist’s King |
Conclusion
The debate of Rodtang vs Superlek – Who is the True King of Muay Thai? may never have one final answer. If you value aggression and spectacle, Rodtang is your king. If you admire discipline and precision, Superlek wears the crown.
In truth, Muay Thai today has two kings, each ruling in his own way — one with fire, the other with ice. Together, they push the sport into a golden era and ensure their names will be remembered for generations.
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FAQs
1.When did Rodtang v.s Superlek first happen?
Their first official fight took place on September 22, 2023, at ONE Friday Fights in Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok.
2.Who won the first Rodtang v.s Superlek fight?
Superlek won by unanimous decision, using his kicks and accuracy to control the bout.
3.Why is Rodtang v.s Superlek such a big rivalry?
Because they represent two different styles of Muay Thai — Rodtang is chaos and pressure, while Superlek is precision and technique.
4.Will there be a Rodtang v.s Superlek rematch?
A rematch is highly likely, with fans expecting at least one more showdown under Muay Thai rules, and possibly a trilogy.
5.Who is considered the true king in Rodtang v.s Superlek?
It depends on perspective: Rodtang is seen as the people’s champion for his entertainment value, while Superlek is the purist’s king for his technical mastery.