An injury to Francesko Xhaja has scuppered his ONE Fight Night 12 main event challenge of Roman Kryklia‘s ONE light heavyweight kickboxing world title, the promotion has announced.

But a scintillating matchup has been drafted in its place, and it promises to be just as good.

ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 will continue his odyssey through ONE’s muay Thai ranks when he faces in-form Russian contender Tagir Khalilov at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 14.

With Superlek on an unbeaten run that dates back over two years and Khalilov looking to add to his back-to-back victories, there are many reasons to be excited for this striking battle – and here are our top three.

1. The world’s best flyweight striker in action

Flyweight muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon might have something to say about this, but there is undoubtedly a solid argument for Superlek being the best flyweight striker on the planet right now.

“The Kicking Machine” has been on fire lately, having reeled off six straight wins in the space of 13 months and two devastating knockouts in his last two appearances.

Superlek has lost only once in his 11 outings in ONE, and his career win tally now stands at 134.

So, any excuse to watch the Thai superstar in action is worth getting excited about.

2. Khalilov always performs

“Samingpri” has proven he is a must-see attraction in his four ONE Championship appearances so far.

The Russian striker is a natural showman who thrills audiences with his personality and light-hearted taunting during his fights.

While he took losses in his first two outings in ONE, Khalilov put in action-packed performances on both occasions, pushing elite opponents in Denis Puric and Rodtang to the final bell.

The Yekaterinburg native has been rejuvenated lately, and he has scored crushing first-round knockouts in his last two matchups.

Superlek will certainly be his biggest test yet, but fans can be sure he’ll put on a show from start to finish at ONE Fight Night 12.

3. The Stakes Are High

Considerable spoils await the winner of Superlek vs. Khalilov.

In the event of a Superlek victory, all eyes will be set on him next competing for a muay Thai world title.

Following his win against Nabil Anane at ONE Friday Fights 22, “The Kicking Machine” made it known that he would like to challenge Jonathan Haggerty for his bantamweight muay Thai crown at some point, and there is always the chance of seeing him take on flyweight muay Thai king Rodtang, too.

Regardless of the opponent, Superlek’s claim to a second world title will be undeniable if he wins at ONE Fight Night 12.

For his part, if Khalilov can extend his winning run to three against the flyweight muay Thai division’s top-ranked contender, he will surely propel himself into the world title conversation – and a match with Rodtang could become a real possibility.