3 Weapons That Make Eddie Abasolo A Major Threat To Sitthichai At ONE Friday Fights 22
Eddie “Silky Smooth” Abasolo should not be overlooked in the biggest bout of his career at ONE Friday Fights 22.
Although the American fan favorite will face a true striking icon in Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium this coming Friday, June 23, he could surprise the Thai with some unique tools.
Of course, it’s never easy to defeat the famed “Killer Kid,” but Abasolo’s unorthodox skill set will present some new challenges in their featherweight Muay Thai contest.
Here are three weapons that should make the 36-year-old a major threat to his #2-ranked foe when they meet in Asia primetime in Bangkok, Thailand.
#1 Evasion And Counters
With 165 bouts and a slew of illustrious accolades on his resume, there isn’t much Sitthichai hasn’t seen inside the ring – but Abasolo is unlike almost any other opponent.
More specifically, the American’s elusive game could take the eight-time Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion out of his comfort zone.
“Silky Smooth” prefers to move and draw his rivals toward him, which could force the Thai – who would usually rather fight on the outside – to try to close the distance in order to engage.
When opponents lunge in, Abasolo likes to capitalize on their attacks, either by slipping or cutting angles to counter.
He’s very comfortable when strikes are coming in his direction, and with Sitthichai more used to maintaining the distance than closing it, this could open up some opportunities to score with accurate replies.
#2 Elbows From Everywhere
Abasolo loves to throw elbows from all directions and with various setups, which is another potential advantage over Sitthichai.
“Killer Kid” started his career in Muay Thai and won a Lumpinee Stadium World Title in 2014, but since then, he’s competed almost exclusively under kickboxing rules.
And even though he defeated current ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai under those rules in August 2021, most of his matchups have come without elbows for the past nine years.
This could mean his defense isn’t as sharp – and Abasolo will look to exploit that area.
The Californian cut Niclas Larsen with a right elbow in his last outing and can land stinging elbows inside his opponent’s punches or in the clinch.
He also has a penchant for spinning elbows, which could catch Sitthichai by surprise as he tries to come forward, making him think twice about the extra weapons in play.
#3 Concussive Right Hand
While being known for his elusiveness, Abasolo also showcased his one-shot stopping power with his second-round finish of Larsen.
Making that power even more dangerous, the American typically plays with rhythm, movement, and switching stances to appear as though he isn’t loading up on shots – only to plant and dart in with devastating strikes.
His straight right, in particular, carries a lot of force, especially when he moves backward to invite his rival in and then drills it down the middle.
If opponents are forced to chase down “Silky Smooth,” they might be walking right into his trap.
