Bangpleenoi Relaxed And Ready To Put On A Show In Hometown Return

Bangpleenoi Petchyindee Academy is one of six Thai superstars ready to thrill their home fans at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD, and he believes their support will help him make a huge splash.

This Friday, 16 August, the 25-year-old will face Liam Nolan at Bangkok’s Impact Arena in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest at a 72-kilogram catch weight.

Following a successful first appearance in ONE Championship, the Samut Prakan native anticipates he will bring even more excitement to the Circle this time around.

In January, Bangpleenoi made a triumphant debut in The Home Of Martial Arts with a dominant showing over Brown Pinas in Manila, Philippines.

The Thai star showed speed, accuracy, and power as he outstruck his Dutch rival and knocked him down in the third round to seal a victory via unanimous decision.

Despite his good performance, and experience of almost 200 professional bouts, he admits that competing in the world’s largest martial arts organization was a little daunting, and he was not quite at his best.

However, now that he has experience on the global stage, and he has the advantage of a hometown crowd supporting him, the two-division WMC Muay Thai World Champion is looking forward to putting on a show with his technical muay femur style.

“I felt more pressure in my debut than I did going into this fight. I’m really excited to get to compete for ONE again, especially in Bangkok,” Bangpleenoi says.

“Getting to fight at home and not having to travel is really exciting for me. The food and all the fight prep will be what I am used to, which I like.

“I feel a lot more motivation fighting in Thailand, especially because my family will be there cheering me on.”

His opponent will travel to the Thai capital from London, England to make his second appearance in ONE following his debut in March.

The 22-year-old Roar Combat League World Champion is from the same stable as former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty, so Bangpleenoi knows he will have his hands full on Friday.

The Petchyindee Academy representative believes Nolan will present a ton of problems, but he has the tools and a game plan to get his hand raised.

“He’s got a great frame – tall and lean – and has really good technique. His boxing is also strong,” the Thai explains.

“Because of his height, I think the leg kicks will work against him. I plan to use my power and will make sure my conditioning is at 100 percent come fight day.

“I’ll be using my technique and experience to beat him. If the opportunity comes for a KO, I’ll take it. I would love to win by KO in ONE.”

One more thing that has given Bangpleenoi a boost ahead of his return to the Circle is the chance to compete on the same card as his teammate – “The Baby Shark” Petchdam Petchyindee Academy.

He has shared his journey to ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD with his teammate and close friend, who will defend his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title against Ilias Ennahachi in his first main event match-up.

That has also helped to put Bangpleenoi at ease and made him even more positive about his assignment against Nolan.

“I’m excited to fight on the same card as Petchdam, it is always good to have a friend fighting on the same card,” he adds

“It takes away some of the pressure, and just makes for a good time, I’m feeling very confident with this match-up.”