Is Superlek Kiatmuu9 the most clinical striker in modern combat sports?
In short: Known as 'The Kicking Machine,' Manachai Yamsiri has dominated weight classes from 105 lbs to 145 lbs. From winning Thailand titles in 2011 to securing multiple ONE Championship world titles, his technical Muay Fimeu style and devastating striking have made him a pound-for-pound leader.
Born on 6 November 1995, Manachai Yamsiri, professionally known as Superlek Kiatmuu9, has built a career defined by technical precision. A specialist in the Muay Fimeu style, he is renowned for a striking arsenal characterized by rapid-fire kicks and knees. This efficiency has earned him the nickname 'The Kicking Machine' and a spot as the #1 pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighter in Combat Press's rankings as of October 2024.
His ascent through the weight classes has been relentless. He began securing titles in 2011, winning the Thailand Mini-Flyweight (105 lbs) title. By 2013, he had captured both the Lumpinee Stadium Bantamweight (118 lbs) and Thailand Featherweight (126 lbs) titles. His international success escalated in 2016 when he secured the WBC MuayThai Super Featherweight World title, and later in 2022, when he joined ONE Championship.
Superlek's dominance in ONE Championship has been marked by both brilliance and controversy. In 2023, he became the ONE Flyweight (135 lbs) Kickboxing World Champion by defeating Daniel Puertas Gallardo. In 2024, he achieved a spectacular knockout victory over Britain's Jonathan Haggerty to claim the ONE Bantamweight (145 lbs) Muay Thai World title. However, his journey has not been without setbacks; he has faced disqualifications and title losses due to weight and hydration issues, including a loss in March 2025 after failing a hydration test.
Despite these hurdles, his impact on the sport is undeniable. In 2024, he was named Fighter of the Year (tied with Kade Ruotolo) and earned multiple honors, including Knockout of the Year for his 49-second victory over Haggerty.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Superlek Kiatmuu9
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