Thai Heroes Promise To Make Country Proud At ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT
The local heroes of ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT have promised to bring glory to Thailand when they compete in Bangkok on 10 May.
On Thursday, 25 April, ONE Championship hosted the event’s open workout in the nation’s capital city, where the Thai superstars set to compete at the Impact Arena demonstrated their skills and addressed the media.
In the main event, Thai icon Nong-O Gaiyanghadao will defend his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against Hiroaki “Kaibutsukun” Suzuki of Japan.
The 32-year-old explained that he was determined that the belt would stay with someone who hails from the home of “the art of eight limbs.”
“This event proves that Muay Thai is one of the best martial arts in the world. It gives us a chance to showcase our discipline through our hard work,” he said.
“Representing Thailand on the global stage is a huge honor for me. I know my opponent trained very hard and is motivated to share the stage with me, but every day I get better and better and I continue to improve as a fighter.
“I plan to show all of my improvements and come into this fight with my best. I will leave the stadium in front of my hometown fans with the World Title around my waist.”
The co-main event contest on 10 May will see “The Baby Shark” Petchdam Petchyindee Academy face Elias “The Sniper” Mahmoudi for the inaugural ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.
Though he is not as established as Nong-O, the 20-year-old is already a WBC Muay Thai World Champion, and now he has the opportunity to add the greatest prize in martial arts to his collection.
“It is an honor to compete for the first ever ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title. This is a big opportunity for me to prove that I am the best in the world in what I do,” he said.
“All of my efforts and the trials in my career have led up to this point and I am ready to seize the moment. I’ve had a tremendous training camp and I feel I am in the best shape of my life.
“Competing in Thailand, in front of my friends and family, I know it will give me added strength.”
Beyond the headline attractions, three more Muay Thai bouts are set to entertain the fans, including the bout between Rodtang “Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and Cambodia’s Sok Thy.
Rodtang has established himself as one of the most exciting athletes in The Home Of Martial Arts since his debut last year, and he expects to put on another show in his flyweight match.
“I have enjoyed my time so far in ONE Championship. I feel it is a great arena to face the best fighters in the world,” he added.
“Sok Thy is a tough opponent, and if I can defeat him I think I am very close to a World Title shot. This is what I love to do, this is my life. I am so proud to represent my country and I promise to continue working hard to bring glory to Thailand.”
ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT will also see the return of a Muay Thai icon.
Singtongnoi Por Telakun made a triumphant return to action in Bangkok at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES last October, and he will take aim at his third ONE Super Series flyweight victory against Savvas Michael at the Impact Arena.
“After all that I have been through in my career and in my life, I feel very fortunate to this day to continue to do what I love. Muay Thai is my passion, and to be able to practice it is such a blessing,” he said.
“I want to inspire people to keep fighting, no matter the odds, or whatever problems they may be facing. We just have to keep on fighting. This warrior spirit I will showcase in front of my people. I am completely focused on giving the best performance I can give.”
The event on 10 May will also see the return of two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.
Expectations were high for the 24-year-old when he debuted on the global stage for martial arts in February, and he delivered with a dominant win by unanimous decision. He will go for his second straight ONE victory in a flyweight match-up with Rui Botelho.
“Competing in ONE Super Series is an honor. To display my talents and skills in front of millions of people around the world, I don’t think there is a better stage for martial arts,” he said.
“I want to thank ONE Championship for giving me this opportunity. I know fans of martial arts will be tuning in to watch this show, so there is a lot of pressure to win. I plan to go out there and do what I do best.”
Thailand will also be represented in mixed martial arts action in Bangkok, when Chiang Mai’s Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit faces Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan in a strawweight bout.
The 22-year-old looks up to the icons who shared the stage with him on Thursday, and is determined to bring his A-game to the ring on May 10 to give his fans something to shout about.
“Performing here today alongside these legends of Muay Thai is an absolute honor for me. Just standing here gives me great pride and joy,” he added.
“I am truly humbled to be in the presence of these amazing athletes. I know I also carry the pride of Thailand into the Circle, and I am prepared to do my absolute best to get the victory.
“I cannot wait to go in there and show off the fruits of hard training.”
