At the ONE Championship event on March 23, 2025, Superlek Kiatmuu9, who is considered to be among the best in Muay Thai, suffered a serious defeat. During his title unification bout against interim champion Nabil Anane, the former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion was 1.25 pounds overweight. As a result, he lost his title, and the fight changed from a much-anticipated championship match to a three-round, non-title contest.
The fact that Superlek has previously struggled with weight makes this incident especially noteworthy. Prior fights had a similar issue, which clouded an otherwise outstanding career filled with noteworthy triumphs and honors. Following several failed hydration tests, most notably during his title fight against Rodtang Jitmuangnon in September 2023, Superlek’s capacity to gain weight has been called into question. Even though Superlek has unquestionably extraordinary in-ring skills, if these weight problems are not resolved, they could damage his reputation.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manachai Yamsiri (Superlek Kiatmuu9) |
| Nicknames | “The Kicking Machine” |
| Date of Birth | November 6, 1995 |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | 145 lbs (66 kg) |
| Career Start | 2011 |
| Fighting Style | Muay Thai, Kickboxing |
| Titles Won | ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion, ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, Lumpinee Stadium Champion |
| Notable Wins | Jonathan Haggerty, Nabil Anane, Daniel Williams |
| Social Media | Instagram: @superlek_k9 |
| Family Background | Nephew of Singdam Kiatmuu9, grew up with Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9 |
Specifically, what took place on the weigh-in scale?
Superlek made two attempts to reach the 145-pound limit at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Shinjuku, Japan, but was unsuccessful. His bantamweight title was revoked after he returned to the scale at 146.25 pounds following a final 45-minute hydration period. His planned unification fight with Nabil Anane, which was supposed to determine the undisputed champion, was consequently changed to a non-title bout.
The Thai fighter, who had been winning a lot of titles, including the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship and the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship, was dealt a serious blow by this. But his weight and hydration issues, especially in the last two years, have started to overshadow his physical strength and Muay Thai expertise.
An Account of Triumph and Triumph
Superlek’s impressive skill in kickboxing and Muay Thai is demonstrated by his resume. The Lumpinee Stadium Bantamweight title and the WBC Muay Thai Super Featherweight World title are just two of the 29-year-old’s impressive collection of titles in a variety of weight classes. He is regarded as one of the best technical fighters in the sport because of his impeccable technique, which is marked by strong kicks and accurate knees.
He added another significant accomplishment to his career in 2024 when he defeated Jonathan Haggerty in the opening round to win the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship, solidifying his legacy. He is a fan favorite due to his dominating performances in the ring, and he is a feared opponent because of his reputation for managing the tempo of a fight and delivering perfect counterattacks. These recent weight problems, however, have damaged his career and cost him the bantamweight title.
Superlek’s Return: What Will Happen to the “Kicking Machine” Next?
Superlek’s career is far from over, despite this setback. The fighter, also referred to as “The Kicking Machine,” is still a formidable opponent in the sport and is the current ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion. Although his combat IQ and technical skill are still unmatched, his struggles with weight management have given his career a new dimension.
Superlek will continue to be followed by inquiries about his weight and level of hydration. In time to regain his title, will he be able to regain his discipline and focus? Time will tell. Whether he can get past this significant obstacle and regain his position as the best Muay Thai player will depend on his next course of action.
Personal Life: The Legacy of a Fighter Outside the Ring
In addition to being an exceptional fighter, Superlek hails from a Muay Thai family. He grew up with Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9, the current Glory Featherweight Champion, and is the nephew of Singdam Kiatmuu9, a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion. Superlek’s success and approach to the sport have surely been influenced by this family legacy, as Muay Thai has been ingrained in his DNA since he was a young child.
A Sneak Peek at the Future
Even the most successful athletes encounter obstacles that threaten their legacy, as Superlek’s story poignantly reminds us. His career may have been defined by his missed weight and the subsequent loss of his title, but it may also have been the impetus for his comeback. Superlek can change his story with his unmatched skill set and the knowledge he gains from these failures. His ability to regain his status as one of Muay Thai’s elite will depend on his ability to overcome his weight management issues. Fans are still rooting for him in the hopes that the “Kicking Machine” will revert to his domineering ways.