‘I’m Better Technically’ – Felipe Lobo Planning For Second Knockout Of Saemapetch In Pivotal Rematch
Brazilian sensation Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo is ready to prove that his stunning upset victory over Thai superstar Saemapetch Fairtex was no fluke.
On December 8 in U.S. primetime, the bantamweight Muay Thai contenders will rematch in a high-stakes showdown at ONE Fight Night 17 on Prime Video that could produce the division’s next World Title challenger.
These strikers first squared off in April at ONE Fight Night 9.
At the time, Saemapetch was the #1-ranked contender, appeared on the cusp of a coveted shot at gold, and was considered the favorite to emerge victorious.
Lobo would prove the doubters wrong, though, scoring a third-round knockout after suffering a knockdown in the second frame.
Now ranked #2 in the division, Lobo is quick to praise his #3-ranked opponent.
Even after earning the victory, he knows that Saemapetch possesses an aggressive, boxing-heavy approach to combat – one that has carried him to many prestigious accolades.
The 30-year-old said:
“I’ve always been a big fan of Saemapetch. I have always followed his career. He’s a very good fighter, very strong, good with his hands, and it’s a style that I’ve been training for a lot.”
Lobo is wise to respect the Fairtex Training Center representative and his prodigious power.
Through 146 professional fights, Saemapetch has firmly established himself as one of the hardest pound-for-pound hitters in Muay Thai, renowned for his nonstop pursuit of the knockout.
But for his part, the Sao Paulo native is a master technician, and he recognizes that Saemapetch’s aggression could be his undoing. Just like in their first encounter, Lobo plans to move, evade, and eventually find a home for a massive counter-strike:
“My style is more skillful. I like to work on my dodges, and I try to be more intelligent in fights.
“Saemapetch is a more aggressive guy. He moves forward all the time. He’s a good fighter, but I’m better technically and stronger too. So, I believe I can win this fight again by knockout.”
Felipe Lobo Eyes World Title Shot Next: ‘That’s My Goal’
If he produces a second consecutive victory over Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Fight Night 17, Felipe Lobo believes he shouldn’t be denied another crack at 26 pounds of gold.
“Demolition Man” first challenged for the bantamweight Muay Thai crown in March 2022, suffering a knockout loss at the hands of Thai legend and long-reigning titleholder Nong-O Hama.
The ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title has since changed hands, as Jonathan “The General” Haggerty knocked out Nong-O in April.
But no matter who holds the belt, Lobo is within touching distance of another World Title opportunity – and he sees Saemapetch as the final roadblock:
“I believe that by beating him again, I can get an opportunity to fight for the belt. That’s my goal, to fight for the belt again.
“I believe the fight will unfold the same way it did last time, and I will knock him out again. After that, I’ll ask to fight for the belt.”
