ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong found himself in the midst of a dispute with Superlek Kiatmoo9 regarding their recent bout at ONE 172. The controversy arose when the Thai striker missed weight, leading to a change in the fight format from five rounds to three rounds. While Superlek claimed he was open to fighting five rounds and was surprised by the switch, Chatri provided a different perspective on the situation.
Chatri revealed that after Superlek failed to make weight in Tokyo, there were attempts to salvage the original five-round fight. However, he stated that Superlek refused this proposal and only agreed to a three-round match against Nabil Anane while also conceding 30% of his purse due to missing weight. This conflicting narrative shed light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations and decisions that ultimately impacted the outcome of the bout.
The initial plan for ONE 172 was for Superlek and Nabil Anane to compete in a title unification match for the bantamweight Muay Thai titles. With Superlek as the reigning champion and Nabil holding interim status, fans anticipated an intense showdown between the two talented fighters. However, Superlek’s failure to meet hydration requirements led to him being stripped of his belt, altering the dynamics of the fight significantly.
As tensions rose and confusion loomed over the sudden changes, Chatri addressed the media during a post-fight press conference. He disclosed that Superlek’s team had objected to proceeding with a five-round title bout unless it was modified to three rounds. This revelation added another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation between the fighters and promotion.
Superlek’s recent remarks contradicted Chatri’s account as he claimed he would have been willing to go five rounds if Nabil wanted to keep the title on the line. Despite citing pre-fight injuries as a factor affecting his performance, Superlek expressed interest in a potential rematch while acknowledging Nabil vs Jonathan Haggerty for the vacant belt as a logical next step in their division.
The differing perspectives presented by Chatri and Superleg highlighted not just a clash over fight logistics but also hinted at underlying tensions within ONE Championship’s fighter management processes. The intricate dance between fighters’ desires, promotional strategies, and fan expectations often leads to these high-stakes negotiations before each event.
In combat sports like Muay Thai, where honor and respect play significant roles alongside skill and strategy, such controversies can impact not just individual careers but also shape broader narratives within a promotion like ONE Championship. As fans await further developments in this unfolding saga, one thing remains clear: every decision made inside or outside of the ring has ramifications that reverberate throughout an entire division.
The dynamic nature of professional fighting ensures that no bout is solely about what happens during those few intense minutes inside the cage or ring; it encompasses months of preparation, negotiation, setbacks, triumphs – all culminating into moments that captivate audiences worldwide.
