‘Break His Rhythm Before He Breaks Mine’ – Eddie Abasolo Outlines Path To Victory Against Iconic Sitthichai
Eddie Abasolo is ready to fulfill a career dream at ONE Friday Fights 22 on June 23, but he won’t let himself get too excited until the job’s done.
The American standout faces Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong in a featherweight Muay Thai contest at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium – the most iconic venue in the sport – and it’s the culmination of all of his years of dedication to “the art of eight limbs.”
Although simply taking part isn’t the goal, “Silky Smooth” isn’t afraid to admit that taking on one of Muay Thai’s top names at its spiritual home in Bangkok, Thailand, will be an incredible milestone.
He said:
“Man, it means the world. The fact that I’m going to be in Lumpinee, standing across from a living legend like Sitthichai. This entire camp, whenever someone’s asked me about it, the only thing I can really say is, ‘It’s a wild ride.’
“Being from the Bay Area in California, when I first started fighting smokers, I was fighting in backyards and garages, like super small events, and now I’m about to be in Lumpinee. It’s just surreal. I feel like, ‘Man, I made it.’ This is a dream come true for me.
“When the fight is over, then I can let all the emotions overcome me. But until then, I’ve just got to stay laser-focused.”
Although the venue is special for Abasolo, his opponent plays a special role in this career-high opportunity as well.
The 36-year-old Californian faces his division’s #2-ranked star and a man who has been at the top of the striking world for many years. As an eight-time Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion, Sitthichai is a modern-day legend of the game.
Abasolo has always looked up to “Killer Kid,” and he even got the chance to train with him in the past. Now, around seven years later, he’ll get to test his skills against him inside the ring.
“Silky Smooth” said:
“The only time I’ve been to Thailand, I was training at Sitthichai’s gym. I only got in one round with him, and it was just like a flow round, but I was there with him and (Sitsongpeenong head coach) Moonlit.
“I think that was in 2016. So this is like coming full circle, being able to fight in Lumpinee for ONE Championship on a stacked card against someone like Sitthichai, and being able to see Moonlit in the opposite corner.”
Eddie Abasolo Respects Legendary Rival – But Won’t Be Overawed
Now that he’s competing in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Eddie Abasolo will have to get used to going against the best of the best.
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong will go down in history as one of the greatest strikers of this era, and while “Silky Smooth” will never take that away from him, the American is fueled by his desire to reach the same level.
For that reason, he’s not fazed by “Killer Kid’s” reputation. Instead, he’ll go out there and look to implement his game plan without letting the man in front of him affect his decisions.
Abasolo said:
“Sitthichai is just another human being, and I’m on a mission to make my way into becoming a living legend myself. Regardless of the ranking, I’m going to go in there, and I’m going to do my thing.
“He’s very solid. His basics are very strong, his timing is very good. He’ll be able to pick me apart if I just stand in front of him and start playing that Thai style with him. I can’t do that. I have to break his rhythm before he breaks mine, basically. He’s a master rhythm breaker. I’ve got to make sure I get to that line first.”
With many years at the top of the Muay Thai and kickboxing worlds and some of the biggest accolades to show for it, Sitthichai’s skill set is clearly elite.
However, Abasolo thinks all of that success means his hunger could be lacking at this point of his career, and that could be his edge when the pair meet on June 23.
“Silky Smooth” said:
“I feel like I’m going to win because I want it more. I’m not saying that he doesn’t want this, especially for him fighting back in Lumpinee, but I feel like I have more to fight for than he does.
“I plan on being ready to fight all three rounds, and I plan on making it look like he was the underdog.”
