Exclusive | ONE Championship: injury rules Elias Mahmoudi out of Superlek clash at ONE Fight Night 18
- Superlek Kiatmoo9 v Elias Mahmoudi was set to headline card at promotion’s first big event of the year
- No replacement yet announced for battle for Superlek’s ONE flyweight kickboxing title
A rib injury suffered in training has ruled Elias Mahmoudi out of his clash with Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE Fight Night 18.
The pair were expected to headline the event in Bangkok on January 13, with Superlek defending his ONE Championship flyweight kickboxing title against the Algerian at Lumpinee Stadium.
While organisers are looking for a replacement, with the show less than three weeks away it could be difficult to find someone ready to step in and face the champion.
Superlek is on a 10-fight winning streak that has seen him beat some of the best in the sport. Competing in both Muay Thai and kickboxing he has registered wins over the likes of Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Panpayak Jitmuangnon and Superball Teeded99.
Mahmoudi previously challenged Petchdam Petchyindeegym for the flyweight kickboxing title in 2019, but was unable to continue after a low blow and the fight went to the scorecards, with the Thai taking the decision.
While ONE Fight Night 18 now needs a new main event, there are three fights currently confirmed for the card. At bantamweight Kwon Won Il has been matched with Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg in a bout that pits two of the most explosive fighters in the division together.