Prajanchai Vs. Ellis Badr Barboza: 4 Keys To Victory In Muay Thai World Title Bout At ONE Fight Night 28

In the main event of ONE Fight Night 28 on Prime Video, reigning two-sport king Prajanchai PK Saenchai will put his ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title on the line against British phenom Ellis “El Jefe” Badr Barboza in a matchup that represents the pinnacle of striking.

Airing in U.S. primetime this Friday, February 7, that bout will mark the Thai’s first defense of his undisputed Muay Thai crown and Barboza’s opportunity to establish himself as a global superstar.

Stylistically, this World Title clash promises fireworks, with both men possessing elite skills in distinct areas.

We now take a look at the biggest keys to victory for Prajanchai and Barboza at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

#1 Barboza’s Punishing Low Kicks

The challenger is a devastating puncher and a ruthless knockout artist, but he lays the foundation for the finish with his crippling low kicks.

An expert in timing and distance management, Barboza will throw low kicks early and often, punishing both the inside and outside of his foe’s legs. What’s more, he’s capable of landing these trademark blows offensively as he moves forward and defensively as his opponent plants their feet to attack.

Look for the Brit to avoid exchanging punches early with Prajanchai, instead opting to invest in low kicks in an effort to score points, rob Prajanchai of his terrifying punching power, and dictate the pace of the fight.

#2 Prajanchai’s Savage Boxing Combinations

The defending strawweight Muay Thai king might be the most talented and dangerous boxer in the sport – a skill set that he will undoubtedly lean on against Barboza.

Prajanchai typically spends the first few minutes of his fights gathering information and looking for openings, but by the second round, he’s often ready to unleash his vicious and crispy-clean boxing combinations that most opponents cannot withstand.

Against “El Jefe,” he’d be wise to press forward, move inside of kicking range, and back the challenger into a corner, where he can let his hands fly. If the Thai can string together a four- or five-strike punching combination, he could be on his way to his third highlight-reel knockout in ONE.

#3 Barboza’s Dangerous Elbow Strikes

Once he’s damaged his foe with leg kicks, Barboza loves to step forward with a bevy of concussive elbow strikes.

A former WBC European Muay Thai Champion, the 24-year-old possesses a well-rounded game and a deep understanding of “the art of eight limbs” – and his elbows are perhaps his most dangerous weapons.

Just like he did in his spectacular promotional debut versus Thongpoon PK Saenchai, “El Jefe” will be looking for another finish with his elbow strikes, which could work particularly well against the boxing-focused Prajanchai.

#4 Prajanchai’s Unmatched Fight IQ

While his punches might be the biggest weapon in his arsenal, the titleholder’s single most valuable asset is his computer-like mind, tactical awareness, and ability to make important decisions in the heat of the moment.

With nearly 400 career fights and multiple prestigious Muay Thai World Titles on his resume, it’s no surprise that Prajanchai possesses arguably the sport’s best fight IQ.

Notably, the 30-year-old holds a massive experience advantage over Barboza. No matter what “El Jefe” throws at him, Prajanchai will have seen it before, and the longer the fight goes on, the more time he’ll have to set traps, identify openings, and score the knockout.