Superlek outpoints Takeru in slugfest
ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 successfully defended his title in a dramatic ONE 165 main event on Sunday.
“The Kicking Machine” earned a unanimous decision victory over hometown hero Takeru Segawa at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Thai superstar.
Superlek battered the lead leg of the Japanese knockout artist throughout the early going, but Takeru sprang to life in the third round with a flurry of punches to the body and head, which seemingly wobbled the defending champion.
However, the 28-year-old Buriram native remained upright, moved out of harm’s way, and even smiled at his challenger.
During the final two rounds, Superlek’s stinging jab and lead push kick proved to be an issue for his onrushing foe. Takeru was eager to land more powerful shots and the knockout punch at all costs, but it wasn’t meant to be for the Japanese star.
In the end, it was Superlek who landed the more telling blows and was awarded the judges’ nod, as well as a B1.8 million performance bonus for his thrilling win.
Also, in the co-main event, ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo was too fast for longtime rival Tommy Langaker.
The 21-year-old American phenom used his athleticism to stay one step ahead of Langaker, who was able to defend diligently throughout the contest but mounted little offence in return.
Langaker’s choke attempt near the halfway mark of the match-up netted Ruotolo a catch and, ultimately, a welldeserved unanimous decision win.
The victory marks the American’s third defence of his 26-pound gold belt and, like Superlek, it netted him a B1.8 million performance bonus.
RESULTS
ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title: Superlek Kiatmoo9 (c) defeated Takeru Segawa via unanimous decision.
ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title: Kade Ruotolo (c) defeated Tommy Langaker via unanimous decision.
Openweight MMA: Shinya Aoki defeated John Lineker via submission (rear-naked choke) R1, 3:00.
Catchweight (187.25lb) Special Rules: Nieky Holzken defeated Yoshihiro Akiyama via TKO (referee stoppage) R1, 1:40.
Catchweight (156.5lb) Kickboxing: Marat Grigorian defeated Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong via knockout (punch) R3, 1:20.
Featherweight MMA: Garry Tonon defeated Martin Nguyen via submission (rear-naked choke) R1, 4:41. Women’s Atomweight MMA: Ayaka Miura defeated Itsuki Hirata via unanimous decision.
Flyweight MMA: Yuya Wakamatsu defeated Danny Kingad via unanimous decision.
Heavyweight Kickboxing: Rade Opacic defeated Iraj Azizpour via unanimous decision.
Strawweight MMA: Bokang Masunyane defeated Keita Yamakita via unanimous decision. Strawweight MMA: Gustavo Balart defeated Hiroba Minowa via split decision.