‘He’s Someone I Wouldn’t Dare Underestimate’ – Alessio Malatesta Geared Up For Career-Defining Test Against Yod-IQ
Italian firecracker Alessio Malatesta knows he has a tough task at hand when he crosses paths with Thai dynamo Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 117 on July 25.
However, the 23-year-old striking specialist is ready to dish out a striking clinic to overcome the seemingly unstoppable PK Saenchai Muaythaigym wizard live in Asia primetime inside Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium this Friday.
This three-round bantamweight Muay Thai duel also marks his first headline attraction slot on the organization’s weekly outing inside the iconic arena.
Sensing the need to leave a lasting impression and close in on a lucrative six-figure contract and a spot on the main roster, the Team Malatesta man has gone all-out to ensure he arrives in Bangkok at the peak of his powers.
The 23-year-old told onefc.com:
“I know that my recent victories, especially the last fight, earned me the opportunity to headline this week, which makes me feel very proud and motivated.
“My current focus is always on giving my absolute best, and that’s exactly what I’ve prepared for this week.”
Malatesta returns after he earned the third knockout victory of his promotional tenure against Thai slugger Kampeetewada Sitthikul at ONE Friday Fights 109 this past May.
His other triumphs also came in highlight-reel fashion in the opening rounds against Portuguese standout Fabio Reis and Laos upstart Wilachon PK Saenchai.
Though he knows he can tap into his match-winning knockout power to get the job done against Yod-IQ, the Italian martial artist believes his upcoming foe is cut from a different cloth:
“Every match is different and needs to be handled differently. But certainly, Yod-IQ is one of the toughest opponents I’ll fight, and he’s someone I wouldn’t dare underestimate until he’s completely confused.”
Yod-IQ has won nine of his ten matchups on ONE Friday Fights, and it’s easy to understand why Malatesta expects to be tested to the fullest against the in-form striking specialist.
The PK Saenchai athlete’s only promotional defeat came at the hands of Alexey Balyko in September 2023.
Since then, he’s emerged victorious on seven successive occasions, a streak that includes a unanimous decision win over Russian knockout machine Abdulla “Smash Boy” Dayakaev, who recently earned the fastest Muay Thai knockout in ONE Championship history at ONE Fight Night 33.
While he is impressed by his adversary’s style, the Italian fighter believes he has the right approach to make life difficult for Yod-IQ in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 117:
“The most important tool for me in this fight is to control the rhythm and control the game.
“I have to maintain distance and constantly bother my opponent with strikes to disrupt his focus and make it difficult for him to fight. Then, I’ll use my strengths to attack.”
Malatesta Confident In His Abilities To Sleep Yod-IQ
Should he walk the talk – close the distance, establish his dominance, and keep himself out of harm’s way – Alessio Malatesta only has one perfect ending in mind.
Just as he’s done in each of his victories on ONE Friday Fights, the Team Malatesta affiliate is eager to silence the raucous crowd inside Lumpinee Stadium with another moment of brilliance.
The 23-year-old told onefc.com:
“I intend to disrupt him with my weapons. I’ll keep attacking him until he gets confused, and then I’ll knock him out.”
While a fourth knockout would massively help him secure a life-changing US$100,000 contract, Malatesta refuses to dwell too much on the future.
He is taking one thing at a time in search of a chance to share the ring with the biggest names in the striking realm today.
The Italian said:
“For me, beating Yod-IQ — it’s personal satisfaction. It proves that I can overcome opponents of this caliber. And at the same time, of course, it’s a significant advancement in my career at ONE Championship.”
