Shink Plans To Finish Yodkaikaew: ‘I Always Put On A Show’
After a long layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic, John Shink will face Yodkaikaew “Y2K” Fairtex at ONE: NO SURRENDER II in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, 14 August.
As event night approaches, Shink is ecstatic to be competing in ONE Championship’s second flagship event since lockdown restrictions began to lift.
“I feel so lucky and blessed to be part of it,” the 31-year-old says.
“There are other great fighters that I would love to watch on that night. The main event [Saemapetch Fairtex against Pongsiri PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym] is just spectacular, so just to be part of this show is amazing.”
But before watching that main event as a spectator, Shink must deal with “Y2K” in the ring.
Yodkaikaew competed for years in Bangkok’s Rajadamnern and Lumpinee Stadiums, and he even won The Champion Muay Thai 65-kilogram Dat Chuek belt in 2015.
Seeking a new challenge, he made the transition to mixed martial arts later that October and applied his sensational Muay Thai skills to the all-encompassing sport. That has led him to a 4-2-1 professional record, with three of his victories coming by way of knockout.
After studying some film, Shink was impressed with the Fairtex representative’s striking repertoire. On the other hand, the Thai’s ground game did not win him over.
“He’s got good knees and kicks, and that’s definitely something to watch out for,” Shink says.
“I hope he’s been training and he’s improved since those last fights because he looked like an amateur – he didn’t want to engage in wrestling or jiu-jitsu.
“But he trains at Fairtex and they got [BJJ coach] DJ Jackson there, so I’m sure he’s been working on his jiu-jitsu. I don’t want to think he remained the same fighter.”
At the same time, Shink is no stranger to making improvements.
In 2019, the Nigeria-born flyweight gave up everything, moved from his then-home in England to Thailand, and began sharpening his craft at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket.
“I’ve been in Thailand for just over a year and a half now training constantly. I haven’t taken a break,” he says.
“Just last year, I had nine Muay Thai fights. I was fighting about once every month and I was very active, so I’ve got very good fitness.”
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Shink also has a spotless record in professional mixed martial arts competition. He has a perfect 3-0 slate in the sport, with two victories coming by way of knockout.
The Nigerian flyweight intends to keep his unbeaten streak intact, and he has a plan in place to ensure that he does.
“If I get the better of him standing, then I’m going to stay standing. But I don’t know about his wrestling skills,” Shink says.
“I’m guessing he’s not very good on the ground with his wrestling. I’m better than him in those areas. If I feel he’s got the advantage standing, then for sure I’m going to exploit those areas.”
Ultimately, Shink is focused on entertaining the fans who will be watching around the world.
“I always put on a show. I’m never ever in a boring fight, so it’s definitely one to watch for sure,” he continues.
“I think I can finish him either by KO or submission. I don’t want the fight to go to the judge’s hands. The whole goal is to win.”
Read more: How Martial Arts Completely Changed John Shink’s Life
