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Superlek Dominates Tagir Khalilov, Earns Second TKO in Three Weeks – ONE Fight Night 12 Result (Highlights)

Superlek delivered an absolutely dominant performance against Tagir Khalilov, scoring his second TKO finish in three weeks

Written by Craig Pekios

Last updated on July 15th, 2023

Muay Thai superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9 returned to the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok on Friday night for a main event showdown with Russian knockout artist Tagir Khalilov at ONE Fight Night 12.

‘The Kicking Machine’ stepped back into the iconic less than three weeks removed from his spectacular first-round knockout of ONE Championship newcomer Nabil Anane at ONE Friday Fights 22 on June 23. Standing in his way of a second-straight victory in less than a month was Tagir Khalilov, a veritable Thai killer that scored back-to-back first-round knockouts in his first two appearances with the promotion.

Round 1

Tagir Khalilov fires off a leg kick and eats a front quick from Superlek in return. ‘The Kicking Machine’ appears to have to speed advantage as Superlek moves in and throws a flying knee against the ropes. Khalilov circles out but is quickly becoming overwhelmed by the speed of Superlek. Superlek delivers a flurry of strikes, ripping to the head and body before rushing in for another flying knee. Khalilov is already wearing the damage as Superlek continues bringing an incredible amount of pressure. Another pair of lunging strikes from Superlek followed by a leg kick keeps Khalilov from getting off any offense. Khalilov is wearing the proverbial crimson mask as he attempts to muster up some offense seconds before the first round ends.

Round 2

Superlek lands back-to-back leg kicks and then goes upstairs with a high kick before moving in and unloading another barrage of strikes. Khalilov appears to slip during the scuffle, but the referee rules it a knockout and issues an eight-count. Superlek begins working the body of Khalilov with his kicks before they once again get close and clinch up. A push kick by Superlek has Khalilov breathing heavily and practically running away from ‘The Kicking Machine.’ Clearly wanting no more of what Superlek was dishing out, Khalilov turned his back prompting the referee to step in and call for the stoppage.

Official Result: Superlek Kiatmoo9 def. Tagir Khalilov via TKO (strikes) at 1:42 of Round 2.