'After Three Years, I'm Back' – Superlek Jitmuangnon Returns To ONE Friday Fights 172 With Something To Prove

The Thai fighter will make his long-awaited return to ONE Championship

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A Fighter Reborn

Three years is a long time in combat sports. For Superlek Jitmuangnon, it has been long enough to rebuild, reload, and come back with something to prove. The Thai striker will make his long-awaited return to ONE Championship this Friday, September 25. He will stand across the ring from Othman "The Ironside" Rhouni in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 172, and he has made one thing crystal clear – this is not the same fighter who walked away three years ago.

Superlek Jitmuangnon's first taste of ONE Championship did not go the way he had hoped.

Sure, he got the win against Myanmar's Sonrak Fairtex in his promotional debut back in March 2023, but the performance left a sour taste in his mouth. The Thai felt he spent too much time retreating, and the social media reaction confirmed what he already knew – it wasn't the version of himself he wanted the world to see.

Rather than rush back, Superlek made a deliberate choice. He returned to Thailand's prestigious stadium circuit, where he sharpened his skills over five-round bouts, competed in larger gloves, and collected some serious hardware along the way – including the Channel 7 Stadium Championship and a Thailand National Title. The time away wasn't a setback. It was an education.

Now, with more battles under his belt and a refreshed mindset, Superlek is ready to reintroduce himself to the ONE Championship faithful.

"I [wanted] to gain my confidence back on other platforms by fighting strictly five-round matches. Still, I always wanted to return to three-round fights and compete in ONE, but due to various reasons, the timing just kept slipping away,” he confessed.

“I still remember how it feels to fight with the small gloves. I'm not afraid of them at all. Even though it hurts more, I want to show everyone in this fight that after three years, I'm back, and I want to prove that I can make a strong comeback."

Sizing Up Othman

That comeback will be tested by Othman "The Ironside" Rhouni, a fighter who has had a difficult run since joining the ONE Friday Fights circuit earlier this year. Losses have been piling up, including a defeat at the hands of Superlek's own teammate, Panpayak Jitmuangnon.

But the 22-year-old Thai is not taking him lightly – and for good reason.

Othman brings genuine attributes to the table. His punching power is real, his height and reach create problems for fighters who want to work on the outside, and his hand speed is not to be underestimated.

Superlek has done his homework on the 25-year-old Moroccan and knows exactly what kind of fight awaits him.

"Othman's most dangerous weapons are his punches, along with his height and long reach. He's slightly taller than me. His speed is also great," Superlek explained.

"I think you'll see us battle mostly from the outside because I'm not really an inside clinch-heavy fighter anyway. For the outside game, I've prepared all kinds of kicks and teeps."

Going For It All

This is not just another fight for Superlek. It is the culmination of three years of work, sacrifice, and patience – and he has approached it accordingly.

The training camp ahead of ONE Friday Fights 172 was unlike anything he has ever put himself through. No shortcuts, no half measures. Just one month of relentless, grinding preparation that pushed him to limits he had never reached before.

"I've been wanting to return for so long. I trained extremely hard and wanted this fight so badly," Superlek said. "I trained for a full month straight. It was the hardest training camp of my life. I've never worked this hard before. I'm super focused and want to get this done.”

And the stakes extend beyond a single result. A convincing win over Othman would serve as a statement of intent, a proof of concept that the version of Superlek who struggled with confidence three years ago has been replaced by something far more dangerous.

"If I can get past Othman, I'm ready to face anyone – put me in against anybody," he added. "I want to showcase my skills in ONE because, if possible, I want to earn a main roster contract."