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- Muay Thai Culture News 2/22/25
Muay Thai Culture News 2/22/25
All the best news, clicks, and tricks!
Aaron Veverka
February 22, 2025
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Muay Thai Culture News 2/22/25
Table of Contents
Over the last two years, Superlek has truly solidified his legacy as one of the all-time great strikers in combat sports. His impressive journey has seen him secure significant victories against some of the most formidable opponents in the world. Notably, he achieved a remarkable win against Rodtang in Muay Thai, showcasing his exceptional skills and strategic prowess in the ring. Additionally, he triumphed over Takeru Segawa in kickboxing, further cementing his status as a versatile and dominant force in the sport.
At the age of 29, Superlek stands as a two-sport world champion within the prestigious ONE Championship organization. His success in both Muay Thai and kickboxing has not only brought him international recognition but also has solidified his place in the sport’s history. During an interview with 'Nickynachat,' Superlek was asked about once fighting for only 150 baht, which is roughly four U.S. dollars. He responded by saying:
"Yes. It was a lot. I only spent 5 to 10 baht on school. I had about three to four fights, then I started rethinking things because back in Buriram, there were betting fights. I had only fought five times, then I entered a betting match. Then they matched me with an opponent. And there was a bet involved. About 20,000 baht per side. But I lost, and it made me reflect and think."
Introduced in Robert Hall’s 2009 slasher film *Laid to Rest*, the intimidating villain Chromeskull made a memorable and striking impression on audiences. With his multi-pointed shark blades in each hand and a shiny skull mask perched atop his pitch-black suit, Chromeskull became an iconic figure in the horror genre. The character was co-created by Nick Principe, the man who brought Chromeskull to life on screen. Despite his menacing presence and the impact he left on viewers, Chromeskull has been absent from screens for the last fourteen years. This absence persisted even though Robert Hall had plans to complete a trilogy with *Laid to Rest: Exhumed*. Unfortunately, these plans were cut short by Hall's untimely death in 2021, leaving fans yearning for more of the terrifying character.
In our last conversation with Nick Principe, he shared his exciting plans to expand Chromeskull's reach beyond the silver screen. He detailed his intentions to move the slasher into another medium with the upcoming comic book titled *The Reflection of Fear*. This venture promised to explore new dimensions of Chromeskull's story and character, offering fans a fresh perspective on the villain they had come to fear and admire.
Now, Principe is taking Chromeskull even further, venturing into an unexpected and thrilling new arena: the world.
ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty has arrived in the vibrant city of Doha, Qatar, where he is set to defend his prestigious title on February 20. This highly anticipated event is part of the ONE 171 mixed martial arts extravaganza, which will take place at the state-of-the-art Lusail Sports Arena, a venue known for hosting world-class sporting events.
Haggerty, a formidable British fighter renowned for his exceptional skills and tenacity in the ring, is preparing to defend his coveted world title for the very first time.
The highly anticipated bout is set to take place in front of an electrifying and passionate Thai crowd at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. This historic venue, known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, will serve as the perfect backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable night of Muay Thai action. For the reigning champion Rodrigues, this fight represents not only her third defense of the prestigious belt but also an invaluable opportunity to further cement her status as the undisputed queen of the division.
At just 26 years old, Rodrigues has already made a significant impact in the world of Muay Thai. Her journey to the top began in 2020 when she burst onto the scene with a stunning promotional debut. In a thrilling match, she managed to dethrone the legendary Thai icon Stamp Fairtex, securing a majority decision victory that earned her the coveted gold. This victory was just the beginning of her rise to prominence.
Since capturing the title, Rodrigues has showcased her exceptional skills and strategic prowess inside the ring. Her elite fight IQ, combined with a vicious clinch game and impeccably clean striking technique, has allowed her to successfully defend her title on two occasions. She has faced and defeated formidable opponents, including former two-sport titleholder Janet Todd and the highly decorated Spaniard Cristina Morales. Each victory has further solidified her reputation as a dominant force in the atomweight Muay Thai division.
However, Rodrigues is well aware that her reign of terror is far from guaranteed. Standing in her way is the formidable and all-action fighter Cohen, who poses a serious threat to her championship reign.
Kru Juice Muay Thaibata!
A little look into the Muay Thaibata class!
Jonathan Haggerty has made a significant impact in the world of Muay Thai, particularly within the ONE Championship organization, by securing championship belts in two different weight divisions. His remarkable achievements have come through defeating some of the most legendary fighters hailing from Thailand, a feat that has become increasingly common over the past few years as the global landscape of Muay Thai evolves. Before he attempts to reclaim the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title, 'The General' is set to defend his kickboxing championship against the formidable Chinese competitor Wei Rui at the highly anticipated ONE 171: Qatar event. This thrilling showdown is scheduled to take place this Thursday, February 20, inside the state-of-the-art Lusail Sports Arena.
Haggerty's journey to the top has been marked by several pivotal victories. One of the most notable moments in his career occurred at ONE: FOR HONOR in May 2019, when he faced off against the esteemed Sam-A Gaiyanghadao. In a display of skill and determination, Haggerty emerged victorious, claiming the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title. This victory was a landmark achievement that solidified his status as a formidable force in the sport. Fast forward to April 2023, at ONE Fight Night 9, Haggerty once again captured the world's attention by delivering a stunning knockout against Nong-O Hama, thereby securing the bantamweight championship belt.
Haggerty's success is part of a broader trend that has seen an increasing number of foreign fighters excel in the traditionally Thai-dominated sport of Muay Thai. This shift is evident in the rise of several notable fighters from around the world, including Nico Carrillo, Regian Eersel, Bam. When asked about why so many foreign fighters seem to be getting interested in the sport, Haggerty said:
"That's how the Westerners now are sort of overcoming the Thais with the boxing. We're learning. We're using the boxing skills. We've got our strength and conditioning, but now, the Thais have started to realize that they need to compete with us. So they're doing their boxing training as well."
Rare Ajarn Chai seminar from 1993!
Jake Peacock has dedicated himself to achieving recognition as one of the all-time great Muay Thai fighters, with the unique distinction of being born with one arm, rather than being defined by this difference. His journey toward this ambitious goal took a significant leap forward with an extraordinary performance at ONE 171: Qatar, which took place on Thursday, February 20. The English-born Canadian striker, known for his exceptional skills and tenacity, faced off against seasoned Japanese veteran Shinji Suzuki in a highly anticipated bantamweight Muay Thai showdown.
From the outset, Peacock demonstrated his superior technique and strategic prowess, thoroughly dominating most of the exchanges throughout the match. As the fight progressed into the third round, Peacock intensified his efforts, showcasing his relentless drive and determination. Just over a minute into the final round, he delivered a series of powerful strikes that resulted in two knockdowns, adding to his earlier success in the second round where he had already sent Suzuki to the canvas with a barrage of precise and forceful blows.
With approximately a minute and a half left in the fight, Peacock unleashed a relentless assault, overwhelming Suzuki with a combination of speed, power, and precision. This final onslaught proved too much for Suzuki, as he was sent to the canvas for the last time, securing Peacock's victory by TKO. The impressive performance not only highlighted Peacock's exceptional talent and resilience but also marked a pivotal moment in his quest to be recognized as one of the sport’s greatest exponents.
Watch the fight that ONE thankfully posted on Youtube:
Jonathan Haggerty found himself in a state of deep dejection when he lost his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title to the formidable Superlek Kiatmoo9 in Denver. Despite the setback, Haggerty is resolute in his determination not to let this defeat hinder his pursuit of future challenges. As the reigning ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion, he is now preparing to defend his last remaining crown against the skilled Wei Rui. This highly anticipated showdown is set to take place in the co-main event of ONE 171: Qatar, scheduled for Thursday at the prestigious Lusail Sports Arena.
In a candid interview with Nick Atkin for the Bangkok Post, Haggerty opened up about the emotional turmoil he experienced following his loss to Superlek in September 2024. He admitted that the defeat left him feeling utterly gutted, as he had worked tirelessly to secure and maintain his bantamweight Muay Thai strap. However, rather than allowing this setback to define him, Haggerty is channeling his disappointment into motivation.
Jonathan Haggerty said:
"I was gutted for the first week. I feel like, the first time I lost a belt, I took it hard on myself, I put a lot of pressure on myself, but obviously, I knew I could get it back and I did."
Jonathan Haggerty, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of combat sports, has carved out a remarkable reputation for himself, particularly through his exceptional work in the discipline known as "The Art of Eight Limbs," which is more commonly referred to as Muay Thai. However, Haggerty himself believes that his fighting style aligns more closely with the techniques and strategies found in kickboxing. This belief is not without merit, as his dynamic and versatile approach to fighting has allowed him to excel across multiple disciplines.
As a former ONE flyweight and bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, Haggerty has already cemented his status as one of the most formidable and skilled practitioners the sport has ever witnessed. His achievements in the ring have earned him the nickname 'The General,' a testament to his strategic prowess and commanding presence.
British Muay Thai legend Liam Harrison was among the many who enthusiastically applauded Roberto Soldic for his breathtaking and unforgettable victory at ONE 171. Known as 'The Hitman,' Harrison joined fight fans from all corners of the globe in tuning in to witness the Croatian powerhouse deliver a highlight-reel knockout performance against Turkey’s formidable Dagi Arslanaliev. This thrilling welterweight MMA showdown took place last Thursday, February 20, at the magnificent Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar, a venue that has become synonymous with hosting world-class sporting events.
The bout began with Arslanaliev coming out with guns blazing, immediately putting Soldic on the back foot with a thunderous overhand right that sent shockwaves through the arena. The impact of the punch was so powerful that it floored Soldic, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. However, demonstrating the heart and resilience of a true champion, the former KSW two-division champion managed to weather the early storm. He quickly regained his composure, showcasing his exceptional ability to adapt and strategize under pressure, and began to turn the tide of the fight in spectacular fashion.
As the Turkish standout, Arslanaliev, attempted to capitalize on his early success with a body kick, Soldic seized the moment with precision and timing that can only be described as impeccable. He unleashed a perfectly timed left hook that connected with devastating accuracy, instantly shutting his opponent’s lights out and sending him crashing face-first to the canvas. The crowd erupted in awe and admiration as the dramatic turn of events unfolded before their eyes.
Referee Mohamad Sulaiman, recognizing the decisive nature of the knockout, wasted no time in stepping in to ensure the safety of the fighters. He waved off the contest at the 1:55 mark of the opening round, officially awarding the stoppage win to 'Robocop,' as Soldic is affectionately known. With this emphatic finish, Soldic not only improved his professional record to an impressive 21-4 but also notched his 19th career stoppage, further solidifying his reputation.
United Kingdom megastar Jonathan Haggerty received an outpouring of hefty praise and admiration from ONE Championship fans and martial arts enthusiasts worldwide following his triumphant and successful defense of the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world championship. This impressive feat was achieved against the formidable Wei Rui at the highly anticipated ONE 171: Qatar event, which took place on Thursday, February 20. The bout was featured prominently in the co-main event slot, adding to the evening's excitement and anticipation.
Haggerty entered the ring with a palpable sense of pressure weighing heavily on his shoulders, a result of his previous setback when he lost the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship to the highly skilled ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion, Superlek Kiatmoo9, in a challenging match-up that occurred in September. Despite this previous defeat, Haggerty, who is known for his resilience and determination, used the experience as a source of motivation and inspiration. This mindset allowed him to channel his energy and focus into delivering one of the most outstanding and well-rounded performances of his burgeoning career.
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