Superlek loses bantamweight title for failing hydration

Superlek lost his ONE Championship bantamweight Muay Thai title after failing to meet hydration requirements at the ONE 172 weigh-ins. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Shinjuku. Known as "The Kicking Machine," Superlek did not pass hydration tests on two tries. He later returned 45 minutes after the weigh-ins to provide a hydrated sample, weighing in at 146.25 pounds. He is now eligible for a catchweight fight against interim champ Nabil Anane, likely over three rounds instead of the usual five. This is not the first time Superlek has faced issues with hydration. He also missed weight for a title fight in September 2023 and a grand prix final in December 2022. It is uncertain if Nabil will be named the new champion, as the title was supposed to be unified at the event in Tokyo's Saitama Super Arena. In contrast, the 20-year-old Nabil successfully made weight and passed hydration. Other fighters, including those in the main event, also passed hydration tests. Rodtang, the main event fighter, expressed relief after making weight with help from his new nutritionist. Several fighters had similar hydration issues but returned later to make weight. Notably, Marat Grigorian missed his initial sample but returned to weigh in successfully. All other title fights on the card are still set to proceed as planned.