5 Reasons Felipe Lobo Can Be The Next Big Bantamweight Striker
Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo will swing his hammer at another seasoned Thai striker next Friday, 26 November.
The Brazilian is scheduled to face “The Steel Locomotive” Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym in a ONE Super Series bantamweight kickboxing clash at ONE: NEXTGEN III, and he’ll have a chance to make waves against the veteran Muay Thai star as both athletes take the plunge into a new sport.
Before “Demolition Man” battles the Thai standout, here are five reasons why he could become the next big bantamweight striker in ONE Super Series.
#1 Debut Done And Dusted
Even the most experienced fighters deal with nerves when they step into the ONE Championship Circle for the first time, but once those debuts are done, they can settle in and show what they’re truly capable of.
For Lobo, this fight is a chance to build on a stellar first performance. The 28-year-old made his organizational debut at ONE: A NEW BREED III in September 2020 and scored a surprise decision victory over multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion Yodpanomrung “The Lightning Knee” Jitmuangnon.
With his first match on the global stage in the bag, “Demolition Man” can get more comfortable and truly exhibit his full array of skills while building on the positive momentum.
If he can topple an even tougher opponent in Rodlek, Lobo could quickly start to make a serious dent in ONE’s all-striking divisions.
#2 Trains With The Top Tier
To beat the best, you have to train with the best – and for the last few years, that’s exactly what Lobo has been doing at Revolution Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand.
As part of the renowned stable, the Brazilian is surrounded by a team of seasoned athletes like Yurik “Mee Khao Jomhot” Davtyan and former ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Magnus “Crazy Viking” Andersson.
Working alongside such talented warriors on a daily basis has undoubtedly prepared Lobo for the steps he must take to reach the top.
#3 Out To Prove Himself
Nothing makes a man more dangerous than desire, and Lobo has plenty of that.
Before he joined ONE, the Brazilian showed a willingness to battle top Muay Thai fighters in Thailand – even competing at the famed Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadiums in Bangkok – and that fearlessness will continue to shine through in The Home of Martial Arts.
Moreover, he can make a massive statement against Rodlek if he becomes the first non-Thai athlete in ONE Super Series to defeat the #2-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender.
In the process, Lobo can show that he’s ready for the top-five bantamweight rankings in either kickboxing or Muay Thai.
#4 Heart Of A Champion
Once you get to know Lobo, it quickly becomes evident that he has the heart of a World Champion. He’s humble, hardworking, and has one goal – to reach the top.
Since leaving Brazil for Thailand, he’s continued building toward those World Title aspirations by keeping his nose to the grindstone and training relentlessly in the motherland of Muay Thai.
His heart will certainly be tested against “The Steel Locomotive” – a very determined competitor in his own right – but “Demolition Man’s” focus and drive will remain solid regardless of the challenge, which makes him an exciting prospect for the future.
#5 High-Level Skills
Against Rodlek, Lobo will face a straightforward but sturdy fighter who mostly uses two weapons to decimate his opponents – low kicks and punches. That means the Brazilian will need to showcase his full arsenal of striking skills to unsettle the Thai. And he has plenty to offer.
For starters, Lobo throws a strong right hand that he uses as a devastating counter to the body and head of his foes. This power has gained him 11 knockouts in his 20 career wins.
Moreover, he has the smarts to go along with his strength, which was clear when he caught Yodpanomrung with numerous sweeps during his debut match.
Next Friday night, expect to see a fighter who knows when to scrap and when to use his IQ – essential traits that could make Lobo the next big bantamweight striker.
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