3 Biggest Takeaways From ONE Friday Fights 8
Twelve captivating bouts shook the walls of the world-famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium this past Friday, March 10.
Fans were treated to a thrilling evening of martial arts contests across multiple sports with ONE Friday Fights 8, and the event was capped off by four consecutive knockouts that brought the crowd to its feet.
Before we look ahead to next week’s blockbuster showcase, here are three huge takeaways from another memorable night in Bangkok, Thailand.
Petsukumvit Establishes Himself As Major Flyweight Player
Petsukumvit Boi Bangna had no intention of letting Petchmuangsri Tded99 get into a rhythm during their flyweight Muay Thai tilt. He took the main event spotlight and made sure it shined only on himself.
From the opening bell, the 24-year-old moved forward and forced Petchmuangsri on his back foot. With each passing moment, the former Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion’s output grew and he continuously tagged the teen striker with flurries.
As the second round neared its end, the Tded99 representative could no longer take the barrage of hammering blows with his back pressed into the corner. Petsukumvit fired away until he landed the final shot – a crushing left hand – that sent his compatriot to the canvas.
Petsukumvit scored his 62nd career victory, moved to 2-0 in ONE Championship, and positioned himself as a legitimate threat in the ever-growing flyweight Muay Thai division.
Five Newcomers Have Knockout Performances
Sometimes when new talent steps onto the global stage for the first time, the adrenaline and massive spotlight never allow them to perform to the best of their ability.
However, a quintet of incredible athletes did not succumb to the pressure at ONE Friday Fights 8. In fact, five promotional newcomers made the most of their debuts and finished their opponents with jaw-dropping knockouts.
Jomhod Auto MuayThai and Maisangkum Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang were the first newcomers to cash their checks. Later in the evening, Banluerit Or Atchariya and Numsurin Chor Ketwina coincidentally needed exactly 2:38 to get their knockouts on the board.
Lastly, Petlampun Muadablampang pulled off a Hollywood-style comeback story with a one-punch KO late in the third to cap off the night for the debutants.
Those performances were strong examples of new talent seizing the opportunity. These athletes were not overtaken by the moment. Instead, they created highlight-reel moments with memorable finishes that fans will talk about for years to come.
Tupiev Throws Name Into Bantamweight Contendership Hat
With an influx of new talent, 2023 is quickly becoming a year of change in the bantamweight Muay Thai division. And one of those standout names is Uzbekistan’s Mavlud Tupiev.
The 32-year-old made a statement with a shocking upset victory over recent ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title challenger, the division’s #2-ranked contender, and former kickboxing king Alaverdi Ramazanov.
Tupiev wasted no time. He dropped the lanky Russian in the first round, which set the tone of the match. The next two stanzas would prove to be competitive, but the Uzbek continued throwing power punches until the final bell and that helped secure him the unanimous decision.
After this exceptional underdog victory, Tupiev should crack the division’s top-five rankings and could become a major factor in the World Title picture.
The Uzbek is helping to usher in a new era at bantamweight along with former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Jonathan Haggerty, who battles Nong-O Hama for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE Fight Night 9 on April 21.
