In the main event, two-sport World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.
We are now just 2 days out from ONE 168 in Denver Colorado, one of this year’s most talked about nights of violence and one of the biggest cards to date. The press gathered yesterday to speak with some of the combatants, here are some of the highlights below.
Jonathan Haggerty – ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion:
“I believe [Superlek] is ready. I don’t think he’s underestimated me, it would be silly to. But as long as I’m ready, that’s all that matters. And I’m here to put on a masterclass and showcase some great Muay Thai.”
“There’s a target on my back but I take it as a massive compliment, everyone wants to fight me. I think Nico [Carrillo] is definitely next in line, but I’m also the kickboxing champ as well, so I wouldn’t wanna hold that division up. But, yeah, Nico is definitely next in line. And who knows, hopefully, the MMA debut is soon, which I’m really looking forward to.”
Superlek Kiatmoo9 – ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion:
“I’ve trained pretty hard and I’m really excited to be here in America and I’m looking forward to fighting this Friday. I feel like there are a lot more fighters that have earned more respect than me, but I’m on my way, and I’m still working my way and still making a name for myself as well in Muay Thai.”
Liam Harrison:
“We’re in an amazing place. A few years ago, there weren’t that many elite-level fighters. If you look across the board now, I think the UK is number two, pound-for-pound on the planet, behind Thailand, and even now, especially in ONE Championship, guys like Jonathan [Haggerty], Nico [Carrillo], we are there smashing the Thais. So I think we are definitely up there, and should be considered as one of the leading forces in Muay Thai at the minute.”
“I’ve mentioned it many times that this was one of my dream fights and a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time.”
“This is the fight that would probably just be complete insanity from start to finish. And that’s what I’m expecting. That’s what I’m looking forward to as well, because I’ve been out of the ring a long time, and I’ve been itching to get back in there. I’ve been seeing all these guys having amazing fights and really exciting fights and stuff, and it’s a bad trait to have, but I’ve been jealous, because this is all I’ve done since I was 14 years old.”
“I’m just happy to be back here on this stage. I’ve got an incredible opponent, like Seksan, who’s an absolute legend. And hopefully, well, I don’t think we have to say hopefully, I know that we will give the fans an absolute barnstormer.”
Seksan Or Kwanmuang:
“This Friday I’m gonna put on a great show, and I’m gonna put on a great fight. But I’m coming here to give the fans a great fight and give my 100 percent here, and leave no doubts behind.”
“I’ve trained differently this time with my trainers and my team, I’m going to be more active. But if I want to come forward, I’m going to come forward and I’m going to change my game up and I’m going to adapt to whatever the situation may be.”
Aung La N Sang:
“It’s amazing. I love fighting in front of the Denver crowd. The American crowd is amazing. And the fact that I don’t have to be jet lagged, so that’s kind of cool. Yeah, Shamil [Erdogan] is an amazing opponent, and he’s made me a better fighter. You know, very high-caliber wrestling from Dagestan. So we know what that kind of fighter brings to the table. And I’m just very happy to be here, being able to compete against him. We’re going to put on a banger fight, that’s for sure.”
Shamil Erdogan:
“I’m more than excited to be here. Aung La N Sang is a very strong opponent in my entire career. This is gonna open the doors for my future success, so I’m more than happy to be here in America and fighting against such a strong opponent.”
John Lineker:
“This was a challenge that I accepted, and my main focus is still in MMA. But I want to say thank you to ONE Championship for giving me this opportunity to fight here in Muay Thai, but my focus is on MMA.”
“If [a Rodtang fight] happens, I will accept, but for now, I’m focused on this fight right now. He’s a very good opponent so I have to focus on him right now. But if it happens to fight against Rodtang, I would definitely accept.”
Asa Ten Pow:
“The power punches of John Lineker have to be noted, but I’m coming with all eight limbs. I’m coming with all America behind me. And, yeah, there’s nothing [else] but getting out there and showcasing who I am.”
“This is where I belong. I’ve been working my tail off to get here and be alongside these peers. This means everything [to] me, to be here in Denver to represent American Muay Thai, and I will represent it to the fullest.”
ONE 168: Denver will be broadcast worldwide in over 190 countries. Please visit www.ONEFC.com for more information on how to watch the event from your location.
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