Nakrob Vs. Parham Gheirati, Arian Esparza Vs. Sam Fitzgerald Added To ONE Fight Night 48
Two intriguing matchups in “the art of eight limbs” have been added to ONE Fight Night 48 on Prime Video, which streams live in U.S. primetime on Friday, October 2, from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Nakrob Fairtex squares off with Parham Gheirati in a bantamweight Muay Thai clash, while Arian “Destroyer” Esparza takes on Sam Fitzgerald in a featherweight Muay Thai contest.
Now settling into a new home at bantamweight, Nakrob looks to generate divisional traction after securing a hard-fought victory over former World Title challenger Jacob Smith.
That triumph snapped a three-fight skid against elite opposition and marked a fresh chapter for the Fairtex Training Center representative.
Prior to that challenging stretch, the 27-year-old put together a 10-2 promotional run that included a US$100,000 contract-winning knockout over “Samingpri” Tagir Khalilov.
Armed with renewed focus, he aims to build another winning run and establish himself as a threat in his new weight class.
Opposing him is Gheirati, who has quickly established himself as one of the most reliable finishers to emerge from Iran.
The 22-year-old powerhouse blazed through six consecutive victories on the ONE Friday Fights platform with four stoppages. He unlocked a life-changing US$100,000 contract with a third-round knockout of George Mouzakitis at ONE Friday Fights 84.
Although Gheirati experienced a setback against ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon, the Petsaman affiliate rebounded with a concussive second-round knockout of Australian slugger Tyson “John Wayne Noi” Harrison at ONE Friday Fights 127.
Now, Gheirati looks to derail a proven veteran and strengthen his case for a future rematch with the division’s king.
The action continues when towering New Zealand talent Fitzgerald takes on American standout Esparza.
Fitzgerald steps back into the spotlight eager to make a statement after bravely stepping up on short notice to replace the injured Bampara Kouyate against Charlie Guest at ONE Fight Night 44.
Despite falling short in his promotional bow, the 21-year-old fought with heart and showed flashes of quality, using his 6-foot-3 frame to create dangerous moments. That performance has only fueled his drive to prove he belongs on the global stage.
Looking to deny that breakthrough is Esparza, a pressure fighter representing Sakasit PRS Gym. The 2024 WBC Muay Thai National Champion aims to move past a tough defeat to PTT Apichart Farm and channel the form that secured his victory over Ricardo Bravo at ONE Fight Night 32.
If he can neutralize Fitzgerald’s reach and enforce his will inside the pocket, the 23-year-old can propel himself right back into the divisional mix.
These two matchups bolster a loaded lineup on October 3, topped by a high-stakes heavyweight MMA showdown between undefeated Turkish star Shamil Erdogan and British bruiser Paul “King of the North” Elliott.
