One Championship: Former Opponent Rodtang Underestimates World Champion Superlek

– Tagir Khalilov sees his opponent Superlek Kiatmoo9 as an opponent that is no different from most Thai athletes. The two of them will fight on One Fight Night 12, on July 15 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium Bangkok.

This duel was an opportunity for Khalilov to strengthen his name against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in Muay Thai

The name of the Russian athlete nicknamed “Samingpri” is indeed well known in the local scene. He also almost beat Rodtang in his debut, where he only narrowly lost to the iron-jawed man.

Khalilov did lose in the first two matches, but he made up for it with wins over top Thai athletes such as Chorfah Tor Sangtiennoi and Black Panther via quick knockout in the first round.

That big investment immediately catapulted his name to fight the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion in Muay Thai. For your information, Khalilov is currently in the top five in the division controlled by Superlek.

When asked about his preparation and upcoming tough opponents, the athlete from Yekaterinburg admitted that he had done his homework. In the past, he had almost met the Thai star.

“I had prepared for Superlek first, when we were scheduled to fight. So I have a game plan ready. We had to revise the old plan, but it hasn’t changed much,” said Khalilov.

With his two recent wins over Thailand’s top Muay Thai stars, Khalilov feels confident enough to stand alongside Superlek. He also sees his upcoming opponent like most Thai stars.

“Superlek is a regular Thai fighter, so his style won’t surprise me. Because I’ve fought a lot of Thai people,” he continued.

Prior to his chance against Superlek, Khalilov had been scheduled to meet fellow cross-discipline top fifth challenger Elias Mahmoudi. It was only because of a change in plans that Khalilov stepped up to the main event against Superlek.
Speaking of that, the Russian star admits that he is more prepared to fight Superlek than Mahmoudi. He only needs a little adjustment, compared to against the Algerian star.

“I would be more comfortable fighting him than (former flyweight kickboxing reigning) Elias Mahmoudi. Mahmoudi will be a more difficult opponent, because he is taller than me and plays in a kickboxing style,” said Khalilov.