‘It Was Like Taking A Deep Breath’ – Akram Hamidi Rejuvenated For High-Stakes Clash At ONE Friday Fights 164
Three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion Akram “La Pepite” Hamidi stepped away from his hectic fighting career for the past two years, but he is supremely confident that he will return to the global stage of ONE Championship sharper than ever.
His highly anticipated return takes place in the strawweight Muay Thai main event of ONE Friday Fights 164, where the French-Algerian dynamo will lock horns with Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen.
The blockbuster card broadcasts live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, July 31, immediately following The Inner Circle 24.
The difficult decision to take an extended hiatus arrived shortly after he suffered a knockout loss to Muay Thai living legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in September 2024.
By his own honest admission, Hamidi never quite felt like himself during that bout. So, rather than recklessly rushing back to the ring to erase the setback, the striking specialist chose to step away entirely to fully reset himself physically, mentally, and professionally.
The Team Valente standout told onefc.com:
“After the fight with Sam-A, I took the opportunity to take a long break. I lost, but that’s not a problem because I got to share the ring with a legend – a champion of that level – which is a win-win situation.
“During my break, I still did light training to maintain my physical condition. But mostly I spent time with my family. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had to fight every two months, so it was really difficult to find time for my family, or even just to see them face to face.”
That defeat to Sam-A sits alongside a hard-fought decision loss to reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PongSuphan PK as the only two blemishes on Hamidi’s ONE resume — both notably coming against the absolute gold standard of the division.
His two promotional victories, meanwhile, have both come by way of devastating, highlight-reel finishes, underlining the terrifying knockout power he carries into every appearance. And according to the man himself, none of that explosive firepower has diminished during his sabbatical.
If anything, Hamidi firmly believes the exact opposite is true as he heads into fight night against an opponent currently riding a perfect 5-0 winning streak in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
He continued:
“Getting to rest for a year and a half without any fight pressure, it was like being able to take a full deep breath again. It helped me recover both physically and mentally, completely. I feel really fit. I feel ready now. This time I’m back hungrier than ever.
“I’m not worried about his winning streak at all. And I never underestimate anyone. I take every fight seriously, I give my all in camp, and then I fight in my own style.”
Ready To Adapt, But Not To Change
With his meticulous preparation now complete, Akram Hamidi is definitely not walking into ONE Friday Fights 164 with a rigidly set script in mind.
He has extensively studied Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen’s staggering 127 career victories, paying special attention to the Thai veteran’s five triumphs under the ONE banner. His definitive response to his opponent’s fiery style is to remain completely adaptable.
The French-Algerian reflected:
“I can’t say yet what approach I’ll take for this fight because I’m a fighter who can adapt to my opponent during the fight.
“I’ll get up on that stage, face Watcharapon, and then I’ll work out the game and adjust my style on the spot. I’ll adjust and fight intelligently.”
However, that strategic adaptability certainly does not mean abandoning the devastating tools that helped the 27-year-old faithfully claim three ISKA Kickboxing World Titles.
Whatever specific adjustments happen once the bell rings, “La Pepite” has absolutely no intention of shelving his trademark, aggressive style. Moreover, with a life-changing US$100,000 main-roster contract still firmly on his radar, he fully intends to maintain his 100 percent finishing rate in ONE and make his return truly unforgettable.
Hamidi concluded:
“I’m still going to focus on speed and pressure, the same as before. I’m going to open fast and throw my weapons clearly.
“My intention is to close this fight out as fast as possible. And yes, in this fight, my hands will still be my main weapon.”
