ONE Championship has handed out some {hardware} on the finish of the yr. After a whole lot of fights throughout kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and submission grappling, the promotion recognized two standouts for Fighters of the 12 months. The 2 titleholders who earned the honour had been Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Kade Ruotolo.
Superlek Earns ONE Championship Fighter of the 12 months Honors
Every man began the yr off with a win at ONE 165 in Tokyo. Extra impressively, every man bought to point out their elite prowess in a number of sports activities and weights all year long. Their performances had been distinctive and made them worthy of sharing the honour bestowed by ONE Championship.
At ONE 165, Superlek defeated Takeru Segawa by unanimous choice. The five-round title protection of the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship was a superb showcase of why he’s referred to as “The Kicking Machine.” After efficiently defending the gold, the Thai star returned 5 months later to Muay Thai in opposition to Kongthoranee Sor Sommai with a choice win at ONE Friday Fights 68.
The argument for who the pound-for-pound finest striker on the planet is was put to relaxation at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado. Superlek challenged Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title. After transferring up in weight in opposition to the Brit, the 29-year-old has his quickest efficiency with a 49-second KO over Haggerty to develop into a two-sport, two-division World Champion.
Kade Ruotolo Splits ONE Championship Honors with Superlek Kiatmoo9
Again at ONE 165, Ruotolo defended the ONE Light-weight Submission Grappling World Championship in opposition to Tommy Langaker by unanimous choice. Slightly over two months later, he challenged Francisco Lo at ONE Struggle Evening 21 in a 180-pound catchweight affair that he received by way of submission in underneath 5 minutes. The submission would preserve rolling in his closing two appearances for ONE Championship in 2024.
The American would discover himself in a brand new sport in his subsequent outing. At ONE 167, Ruotolo made his long-awaited MMA debut in opposition to Blake Cooper. The Atos BJJ star shortly bought the match to the canvas and completed by way of submission.
The identical can be true of his follow-up efficiency at ONE 169. Nevertheless, in opposition to Ahmed Mujtaba, Ruotolo bought to flash energy in his palms whereas standing earlier than using his superior grappling. In simply 64 seconds, the 21-year-old moved his skilled MMA file to 2-0 by way of submission.
A Look Forward for Each Honorees in ONE Championship in 2025
The 2024 ONE Championship Fighters of the 12 months set themselves aside and proved they’re the elite of the elite. Superlek and Ruotolo shined in 2024 and look to have even greater plans for the brand new yr.
Ruotolo will chase MMA glory whereas defending his grappling gold. Superlek will unify the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title with the winner of Nico Carrillo vs. Nabil Anane, which takes place at ONE 170, at ONE 172 on the Saitama Tremendous Area.
