In a surprising twist, Superlek Kiatmookao has missed weight for his highly anticipated title fight against Rodtang Jitmuangnon in ONE Championship. The flyweight Muay Thai bout, hailed as the biggest fight in the sport in 50 years, will now be a catchweight super fight after Superlek came in 5lbs over the limit. Despite the setback, Rodtang still aims to showcase his skills and prove that he is the best in the world. With fans eagerly awaiting this showdown, the fight promises to be an electrifying event, even without the title on the line.
Superlek misses weight for Rodtang title fight
A spanner was thrown into the works for Friday’s blockbuster ONE Championship flyweight Muay Thai title main event between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmookao after the challenger missed weight. The fight, billed as "the biggest fight in Muay Thai in 50 years" by ONE chairman and CEO Chatri, will no longer be for the belt. Superlek came in 5lbs heavy at Thursday’s official weigh-ins and hydration tests, forcing officials to announce that the bout will now be a three-round super fight at a catchweight of 140lbs. This unexpected turn of events has disappointed fans who were eagerly anticipating the clash for the title.
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Rodtang accepts catchweight bout to show he’s the best
Despite Superlek missing weight by such a significant margin, Rodtang Jitmuangnon has accepted the catchweight bout. He stated that he wants to show that he is the best in the world and does not want the opportunity for fans to see this fight go to waste. Rodtang's willingness to go ahead with the fight, even without the title on the line, demonstrates his determination to prove himself as the top fighter in the division. This decision has generated excitement among fans who are eagerly awaiting this highly anticipated matchup.
Responsibility of fighters to make weight
In the world of combat sports, it is the responsibility of the fighters to make weight for their bouts. Superlek's failure to meet the weight requirement has raised questions about his professionalism and dedication to the sport. Prem Fairtex, managing director of ONE Championship Thailand, expressed his disappointment in Superlek's repeated struggles with weight and emphasized the importance of fighters being professional and making weight, especially if they hold a world title. This incident serves as a reminder to fighters that their responsibilities extend beyond training and competition, and that they must adhere to the rules and regulations set by the promotion.
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Other nine fights on the card still set to go on Friday
While the main event between Superlek and Rodtang may no longer be for the title, fans can still look forward to the other nine fights on the card. Despite the setback, ONE Championship has confirmed that all the other fighters made weight and are ready to compete on Friday night. It is crucial to remember that a fight card consists of multiple bouts, and while the main event holds great significance, there are still plenty of exciting matchups for fans to enjoy.
Superlek and Rodtang have both struggled with weight in the past
Both Superlek and Rodtang have had their fair share of struggles with weight in the past. Rodtang missed weight for a kickboxing fight in January and withdrew from a flyweight Muay Thai grand prix semi-final in August. However, he has recently learned a new "technique" from ONE flyweight submission grappling champion Mikey Musumeci, which has helped him pass his weight checks without any issues. Superlek, on the other hand, has consistently faced challenges with weight cuts. He previously missed weight for a main event fight in July and also failed to make the weight in a title fight last December. These past experiences highlight the importance of disciplined nutrition and training in the lead-up to fights.
Possibility of rebooking the fight after this bout
The outcome of the catchweight bout between Superlek and Rodtang could potentially determine the future of their rivalry. Despite the fight no longer being for the title, the possibility of rebooking the matchup in the future remains open. ONE matchmakers will assess the situation after the fight and discuss whether a rematch or a title fight is a viable option. The result of this bout will have significant implications for both fighters' careers, and it will be interesting to see how this rivalry unfolds going forward.
In conclusion, the unexpected turn of events with Superlek missing weight has added an element of uncertainty to the highly anticipated matchup between him and Rodtang. While the fight will no longer be for the title, it still promises to be an exciting showdown between two highly skilled fighters. Rodtang's acceptance of the catchweight bout demonstrates his determination to prove himself as the best in the world. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the fighters to make weight and uphold the professionalism of the sport. As fans eagerly await the clash on Friday night, they can also look forward to the other nine fights on the card, which are set to take place as scheduled. Regardless of the outcome, the possibility of a rematch or a title fight in the future adds another layer of excitement to this already intriguing rivalry.
