- George Chung
- Jan 3
- 2 min read
ONE Championship just dropped its most exciting year-end announcement, naming two warriors who dominated the global stage in 2024 as their Fighters of the Year. After hundreds of battles and thrilling moments, Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Kade Ruotolo emerged as the undeniable champions.
Superlek Kiatmoo9: The Kicking Machine’s Year of Destruction
Superlek, known as “The Kicking Machine,” delivered a jaw-dropping 2024 campaign with three incredible victories, including two in championship bouts. He kicked off the year at ONE 165, where he stepped in as a last-minute replacement to defend the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title against
Takeru Segawa. Superlek’s brutal leg kicks dismantled Takeru, solidifying his reign in the division.
Five months later, Superlek switched gears back to Muay Thai at ONE Friday Fights 68, outclassing Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in a dominant decision victory. But he wasn’t done yet.
In a stunning twist, Superlek moved up to bantamweight and faced Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship. Fans were left speechless as he knocked out Haggerty in a mere 49 seconds, cementing his legacy as one of the best fighters in the world.
Kade Ruotolo: Submission Grappling King Turned MMA Phenom
Meanwhile, Kade Ruotolo had a perfect 4-0 record across multiple disciplines, showcasing his versatility and dominance. He began the year defending his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling
World Title against Tommy Langaker at ONE 165, securing a unanimous decision victory.
Three months later, he submitted Francisco Lo with a slick arm-in rear-naked choke at ONE Fight Night 21. But Ruotolo wasn’t content with sticking to submission grappling—he made his highly-anticipated MMA debut in 2024.
At ONE 167, Ruotolo stunned the crowd by submitting Blake Cooper in his MMA debut, instantly establishing himself as a new threat in the cage. Just five months later, he returned at ONE 169, submitting Ahmed Mujtaba in only 64 seconds!
Why Fans Can’t Stop Talking About Superlek & Ruotolo
What sets these two apart? It’s not just their wins—it’s their fearless spirit, their willingness to compete across multiple disciplines, and their drive to test themselves against the best. Superlek’s devastating striking and Ruotolo’s grappling mastery captivated fans throughout 2024, making them two of the most talked-about fighters in ONE Championship history.
With their unmatched performances and warrior mentality, Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Kade Ruotolo are truly the pound-for-pound elite—and 2025 looks even more promising!
