5 Things To Know About Muay Thai Phenom Rambolek Before He Returns At ONE Fight Night 24
Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon has had a fascinating journey to the elite level of Muay Thai.
The 21-year-old rising star will face Craig “Coco” Coakley on August 2 in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video, but his road to the top tier has not always been straightforward.
Learn more about Rambolek with these five facts ahead of his next assignment at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
#1 He Started Fighting To Help His Family
Rambolek was born in Chaiyaphum in Thailand’s impoverished Isan region, where his parents were humble farmers.
He took up Muay Thai at the age of 7 and quickly had his first bout at a local temple fair, where he won 300 Bhat (around US$8.50).
The youngster struggled with the hard training and treatment from his coaches, but he endured it because he knew the money would help support his family.
#2 The Origins Of ‘Rambolek’
Despite being a smaller child, Rambolek made up for his lack of size with massive determination.
This mindset earned him his nickname – meaning “Little Rambo” – referencing Sylvester Stallone’s movie hero, John Rambo.
While he’s no longer on the smaller end in “the art of eight limbs” as a bantamweight, this attribute has stayed with the striker throughout his impressive career.
#3 He Once Reconsidered His Career
Rambolek enjoyed great success regionally and moved to Phayak Phudin Gym in Bangkok to take his career to the next level when he was 15.
He continued to do well at first – but then hit a skid with some knockout losses that made him re-evaluate his future.
The Thai took a break from fighting and graduated from high school, before returning with a vengeance in 2020 and amassing some huge victories.
#4 He’s Beaten Some Of The Best
After getting back to business in the ring, Rambolek continued his ascent and eventually claimed the prestigious Channel 7 Stadium Super Lightweight Championship in May 2022.
He followed that with a win over two-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion and Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai.
He also defeated the heralded Sports Authority of Thailand Fighter of the Year Kongklai Sor Sommai – a win that earned him a spot in the ONE Friday Fights event series.
#5 He Made History At ONE Friday Fights
Rambolek was an instant hit in ONE’s weekly Asia primetime event at Lumpinee Stadium.
After scoring back-to-back knockouts over Theeradet Chor Hapayak and former ONE World Title challenger Zhang Chenglong, the young phenom became the first-ever graduate from ONE Friday Fights to the organization’s global roster.
After bagging his six-figure contract, Rambolek again showed his resilience to rebound from a pair of defeats with a win over Soner Sen this past February, proving he belongs on the global stage.
