In the high-stakes arena of ONE Championship, the clash between “The Iron Man” Rodtang Jitmuangnon and “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 was billed as a fight for the ages. Two titans of Muay Thai, each with a distinct style and fervent fanbase, were set to collide. What unfolded at ONE Friday Fights 34, however, was not just a barn burner but a masterclass in strategic execution, with Superlek ultimately dictating the pace and outcome, despite initial impressions suggesting a more chaotic affair.
The Illusion of the Brawl: A Cut Above the Rest?
The first round painted a dramatic picture for many. Rodtang, living up to his moniker, landed a significant elbow that opened a nasty cut on Superlek`s face. For casual observers, this immediate visual damage often signals dominance, leading to a perception that Rodtang was controlling the fight. Indeed, under ONE`s scoring criteria, which heavily prioritizes damage and knockdowns, this cut was enough to swing the first round in Rodtang`s favor.
Yet, the blood, while undeniably impactful, also served as a veil, obscuring the subtle but potent strategies Superlek was already deploying. While Rodtang was landing the highlight-reel shots, Superlek was methodically gathering information, testing weaknesses, and sowing the seeds for his eventual takeover. It`s a classic case of not judging a book by its cover, or in this instance, a fight by its superficial wounds.
Superlek`s Tactical Toolkit: Deconstructing “The Iron Man”
As the fight progressed, Superlek`s strategic brilliance became undeniably clear. He didn`t just fight; he systematically dismantled Rodtang`s usual pathways to victory. His approach was a symphony of intelligent defense, range control, and opportunistic offense.
Distance and Deception: The Art of Control
From the outset, Superlek demonstrated exceptional control over the fight`s rhythm and distance. He utilized a barrage of feints, forcing Rodtang to react and constantly keeping him guessing. This subtle psychological warfare prevented Rodtang from settling into his aggressive, forward-marching style. Simultaneously, Superlek`s relentless kicks consistently pushed Rodtang back, denying him the comfortable striking range he thrives in.
His defense was equally sophisticated. While Rodtang swung with power, Superlek consistently ducked, rolled, and parried, ensuring that Rodtang`s most dangerous elbows and hooks either whiffed entirely or landed with significantly diminished impact. Rodtang might have appeared to be “eating” shots, but often, Superlek was simply rolling with the punch, absorbing minimal damage while Rodtang expended precious energy.
The Unsung Hero: Hand and Wrist Control
Perhaps the most understated yet crucial element of Superlek`s game was his masterful use of hand and wrist control. Operating with the small 4-ounce gloves, Superlek exploited the ability to grip, transforming what might seem like minor skirmishes into significant tactical advantages. He constantly occupied Rodtang`s hands, blocking clear paths for punches and elbows. When Rodtang opted for looping shots, Superlek escalated, seizing wrist control. This tactic effectively:
- Impeded Offense: With his wrists controlled, Rodtang found it immensely difficult to generate power or set up his signature combinations.
- Created Openings: Superlek used the grip to manipulate Rodtang`s posture, create angles, and open up routes for his own knees and elbows, particularly in the clinch.
- Controlled Movement: The wrist grip allowed Superlek to back Rodtang against the ropes, trapping him and limiting his ability to reset or escape.
This aggressive, intelligent hand fighting wasn`t flashy, but it was profoundly effective, slowly stifling Rodtang`s famous aggression round after round.
Clinch and Knees: The Muay Thai Foundation
Once in the clinch, Superlek`s dominance was even more pronounced. He expertly tied up Rodtang, landing powerful knees to the body and securing dominant positions. The contentious knockdown in the second round, which saw Rodtang momentarily lose his footing, was a direct result of Superlek`s sustained pressure and superior clinch work. Rodtang, known for his incredible durability, might have quickly bounced back, but the technical scoring still registered the impact.
Rodtang`s Dilemma: When Aggression Meets Adaptation
Rodtang`s reputation as “The Iron Man” is well-earned, built on an almost impervious chin and relentless forward pressure. However, against Superlek`s calculated strategy, Rodtang found himself in an unfamiliar position: his aggression was countered, his power neutralized, and his preferred range denied. While he showed glimpses of his brilliance—a well-timed sweep here, a glancing elbow there—these moments were isolated, failing to build into a consistent offensive rhythm. His inability to find a consistent answer to Superlek`s multifaceted control ultimately proved to be his undoing.
The Scorecard vs. The Story
Ultimately, the judges` scorecards reflected Superlek`s overall control and effective striking, crowning him the victor. While the visual drama of Rodtang`s early cut and his reputation for tanking shots might have swayed public opinion or fueled a desire for a different outcome, a deeper technical analysis reveals Superlek`s strategic superiority. He didn`t just survive; he systematically outfought Rodtang, showcasing the intricate chess match that is elite-level Muay Thai.
Looking Ahead: The Rematch and Lessons Learned
The prospect of a rematch is tantalizing. Rodtang, never one to shy away from a challenge, would undoubtedly return with adjustments. For him, understanding and countering Superlek`s hand and wrist control, anticipating his rapid shifts between long-range kicks and close-quarters clinching, and developing a more consistent response to feints would be paramount. As for Superlek, his performance cemented his status as a truly elite, adaptive fighter capable of dissecting even the most formidable opponents.
This fight serves as a powerful reminder that in combat sports, technique and strategy can often triumph over raw power and aggression. Superlek`s victory was not merely a win; it was a testament to meticulous preparation, intelligent execution, and the profound depth of Muay Thai`s tactical landscape. And for fans, it was a privileged glimpse into the mind of a true strategic master.
Ellis Thorne 
Gareth Fenton