Mahmoudi vs. Mongkolpetch: 4 Keys To Victory At ONE: FULL BLAST II

Elias “The Sniper” Mahmoudi‘s and Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy’s high-octane Muay Thai styles are set to collide at ONE: FULL BLAST II.

The headline clash — which will air this Friday, 11 June — could propel one of these elite strikers into contention for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.

Mahmoudi, the division’s #4-ranked contender, and Mongkolpetch, who is riding a three-fight winning streak in ONE Championship, share some similar traits, but each star athlete will also bring unique skills into the Circle.

Here, we look at four keys to victory in Friday’s pivotal catchweight contest at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

#1 Mahmoudi’s Volume And Pressure

One thing that opponents struggle with when they stand opposite “The Sniper” is his relentless forward pressure, as Mahmoudi’s high-volume output gives them little time to think.

Though the French-Algerian is the less experienced competitor — with 36 professional fights to Mongkolpetch’s 156 — he can prevent the Thai from settling into a rhythm by keeping him on the back foot.

Mahmoudi does not throw in singles, and he does not limit himself to one range or target. Instead, he uses his reach to step in behind front kicks or straight punches, and he then seamlessly cuts the distance to throw dizzying combinations that target the legs, body, and head.

This makes him very hard to read, which will help level the playing field. Mongkolpetch may have a vast amount of ring experience, but he doesn’t have any against an opponent with this kind of output.

#2 Mongkolpetch’s Linear Weaponry

Mongkolpetch will need to be sharp and use his speedy linear attacks to prevent Mahmoudi from simply walking him down.

Fortunately, this is one of the Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion’s specialties. His darting jab and straight right will help fend off “The Sniper,” and his push kicks will ensure that his rival must think twice before simply wading forward.

The Bangkok resident also throws strong teeps from both legs. He uses his lead leg to disrupt his rival’s attacks and knock them off-balance, while his powerful back leg comes crashing through the guard when he sends it up high to the face.

If Mongkolpetch can catch his foe coming in with either his straight punches or kicks, the added momentum will lead to some hurtful strikes on the Mahmoudi Gym athlete.

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#3 Mahmoudi’s Unorthodox Spinning Attacks

The Parisian might struggle to get through in a straight line given Mongkolpetch’s heavy artillery down the middle, but he can always employ his spinning attacks to try and land around the corners.

Having grown up in a family of martial artists and learning from a father who was a karate specialist, the 23-year-old Mahmoudi has adapted a lot of different moves into his arsenal.

He often throws spinning backfists and hook kicks, and he’s also been known to unleash taekwondo-style tornado kicks that are hard to predict.

Moreover, Mahmoudi will throw them in sequence. If he misses with a spinning backfist, he tries to take away any chance to counter by continuing his flow of strikes with follow-up kicks and punches.

An added bonus for “The Sniper” is that most of Mongkolpetch’s bouts have taken place in Thailand, where these unorthodox strikes are much less common. That means he has less experience defending the attacks that Mahmoudi is sure to throw.

#4 Mongkolpetch’s Strong Clinch

If it all gets a little too hectic with Mahmoudi’s pressure and wide array of attacks, Mongkolpetch’s clinch will be the ace up his sleeve.

The 25-year-old Petchyindee Academy man can stand his ground and grab “The Sniper” when he comes too close, or he can use his own entries to push forward and take hold of the Frenchman.

Mongkolpetch often works his way in behind a lead elbow, and once he’s entangled, he can slow down his opponent with hard knees to the body. 

If Mahmoudi does not stay completely focused, he could pay the price, as the Thai likes to create space for his crossing right elbow to blast through when he breaks away from the tie-up position.

Being in the clinch will also tire out Mahmoudi and help mitigate his wide-ranging, high-volume output in the open.

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