‘I’ll Do Anything To Win This Rematch’ – Saemapetch Desperate To Settle Score With Rittewada
Although he felt in control for most of their initial meeting last November, Thai star Saemapetch Fairtex refuses to call Rittewada Petchyindee’s victory a fluke.
The rematch will take place on the main card of ONE 160: Ok vs. Lee II on August 26, as #1-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Saempaetch will get another chance to defeat his #2-ranked compatriot.
And while some fans have said that Rittewada’s initial win – which came from a doctor’s stoppage due to a cut – was not fully deserved, his opponent is taking more accountability.
Saemapetch respects the Petchyindee star’s skills and knows he must adapt his game plan to avoid a similar outcome.
The 27-year-old striker said:
“I can say that it was not luck. [The elbow strike causing the cut] was perfect timing. On behalf of professional fighters, there is no luck in the Circle. All we do is the result of hard work.
“In this upcoming fight, I will fight him more carefully. I will be especially aware of his elbows. If I have a cut, I risk losing.”
Still, after dropping Rittewada in round one and looking dominant for much of their two-round battle, Saemapetch feels confident that he won’t make the same mistake twice.
He knows he must navigate the multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion’s slicing elbows, but otherwise, he expects to gain the upper hand.
The Fairtex representative said:
“I learned a lot from the last fight with him. Now, I can predict what style he’s going to use, his movements, his defense, and what he would do to counter me. I understand him thoroughly.
“As for his other weapons, they don’t bother me at all.”
Saemapetch Sees ‘A Lot Of Weakneeses’ In Rittewada
Saemapetch Fairtex’s experience competing against Rittewada Petchyindee has given him a lot of insight into how his upcoming opponent operates.
The Fairtex Gym athlete expects more of the same when they square off in their rematch at ONE 160, but he also sees holes to exploit when they come to blows.
Saemapetch told ONE Championship:
“I see quite a lot of weaknesses he has. His strikes are slow, definitely slower than mine. Also, his long limbs make him a bit awkward in defense. I am sure that I am faster than him. I will have an advantage if I attack him first.”
“Now, I’m 90 percent confident that I will win this rematch. I already know his style and everything, and I am sure that I can handle it. But there is still 10 percent that I don’t know – what he trains for and his game plan – and I’ll need to adjust my game plan accordingly in the Circle.”
Despite losing their original encounter, Saemapetch maintained his #1 spot in the bantamweight Muay Thai division, while promotional newcomer Rittewada slotted in at #2.
This has caused some debate in the sport, but Saemapetch is ready to leave no doubt with an emphatic victory over his fellow Thai this time around.
In the process, he wants to establish himself as the next challenger for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title, which will be contested between reigning king Nong-O Gaiyanghadao and British superstar Liam Harrison at ONE on Prime Video I later on August 26 in North American primetime.
The Fairtex star added:
“Whether by decision or KO, I’ll do anything to win this rematch. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep myself on the #1 contender’s throne. If I see any opportunity, I’ll knock him out for sure.
“I definitely have a trick up my sleeve [to beat him]. But I can’t tell you right now.”
