Felipe Lobo Outstrikes Rodlek For Second Consecutive Upset Win
For the second fight in a row, Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo earned a shocking victory over a veteran Thai striker – this time, it was under ONE Super Series kickboxing rules.
After dismantling Yodpanomrung “The Lightning Knee” Jitmuangnon in his promotional debut, the Brazilian upset “The Steel Locomotive” Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym by unanimous decision in a three-round clash at ONE: NEXTGEN III on Friday, 26 November.
From the opening bell, Rodlek struggled to get past his rival’s attacks. Lobo stayed on the outside, poked the Thai with single jabs, and then stunned him with combinations that brought his kicks into play.
As shots ricocheted off him, the PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym standout countered with punches and low kicks – usually, his most impressive weapons – but they only cut the air as Lobo shimmied out of the way.
The frame ended with “Demolition Man” punting Rodlek across the Circle with a push kick, which fired “The Steel Locomotive” up for round two.
The Thai walked forward, rolling out three- and four-piece combinations that were followed by low kicks, which landed along with the occasional punch.
But like in the first round, “Demolition Man” smothered Rodlek with shots to the head and body, and his quickness prevailed again as he evaded counter hooks.
Lobo threw heavy and connected hard on more than one occasion, with the Thai eating everything and showing his mettle.
Rodlek started the third round by sending stinging body punches at his opponent, who defended and fired back, giving “The Steel Locomotive” some openings for body kicks.
In the minute that followed, the bout broke out into a catch-a-kick, give-a-kick game, but under ONE Super Series kickboxing rules, catching the leg is illegal, and the referee had to remind both fighters of this. Rodlek, however, caught one too many and found himself staring at a yellow card.
Knowing he was down on points, the Thai walked forward and threw hands at his foe. But Lobo bit down on his mouthpiece and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the dangerous veteran, popping him with precise uppercuts and rights.
Ultimately, the judges scored the fight for Lobo, who moved his striking record to 21-6, earned his first win under ONE Super Series kickboxing rules, and claimed a victory over the #2-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender in just his second promotional matchup.
Read more: ONE: NEXTGEN III – Live Results And Highlights For Every Fight
