Current ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 accelerated his return plans when the opportunity arose to face Japanese star Yuki Yoza in a bantamweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173 on 16 November in Tokyo, Japan.
The 29-year-old Thai striking legend had originally intended to wait until early 2026 before competing again, but Yoza's callout proved too compelling to ignore.
"Honestly, I didn't think I would get to fight on this blockbuster event so soon. I had planned to return early next year. When they asked if I was ready and wanted to return, I immediately said yes," Superlek revealed.
The pound-for-pound great's decision comes from genuine interest in facing the Japanese kickboxer who had publicly called him out.
"The main reason I want to return is my opponent, Yuki. I've watched him fight, and he expressed a desire to fight me on his Instagram when I fought Takeru," Superlek explained.
Yoza brings a perfect 2-0 ONE record and 20-2 career striking record to this high-stakes encounter.
Known for his soul-snatching leg kicks, Yoza seeks a third straight victory that could earn him a title shot against reigning champion Jonathan Haggerty. However, he must first overcome one of the striking art's most decorated World Champions.
Superlek moves up from flyweight to face Yoza, bringing notable victories over ONE Championship’s best of the best.
The matchup promises explosive action between two elite kickers with contrasting styles.
"The consensus is that our fight will be a 'kicking match.' I have my style of kicking, and Yuki has the Japanese style of kicking. There's no way I will stand there and let him kick me freely. I will kick back," Superlek stated.
The November clash pits "The Kicking Machine" against Japan's kicking specialist in what promises to deliver ONE 173's most technical striking exhibition.
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