Saemapetch Fairtex Defeats Deividas Danyla In ONE Super Series Debut

MTGP Welterweight World Champion Saemapetch Fairtex wanted to have a good performance in his ONE Super Series debut, and he delivered on that sentiment.

On Saturday, 7 July, he faced Lithuania’s Deividas Danyla in a three-round Muay Thai bantamweight clash at ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS.

It was a thrilling contest from beginning to end, but it was the 23-year-old Thai who left the Guangzhou Tianhe Gymnasium in China with the unanimous decision victory.

The first round began with the southpaw Saemapetch making his presence known by cracking a plethora of hard left roundhouse kicks to Danyla’s ribs. As both martial artists tested each other with their best strikes, the Fairtex representative was eager to leave a lasting impression.

A monstrous left hand landed towards the end of the round, followed by a left elbow that sent Danyla — an IMC Muay Thai World Champion — crashing to the canvas. Though the Lithuanian was able to beat the referee’s 10-count, he was in survival mode for the last 20 seconds of the first frame.

Saemapetch operated behind a lightning-fast jab, which proved to be especially effective in the second round. He also battered his rival with whipping kicks and counter left hands.

At this point, the Thai was clearly ahead on the scorecards, but the Lithuanian would not back down. Danyla continued to engage the Thai without fear, despite falling behind.

The two warriors opened the third and final round by trading kicks. Saemapetch swept his European adversary, and soon showcased his savvy clinch work with elbows and kicks from the inside.

With a sense of urgency, Danyla pushed forward more aggressively and experienced success — he even connected with a couple of solid punches.

Although it was Danyla’s best round, it was a little too late to sway the judges.

Saemapetch earned the unanimous decision victory, and he moves his incredible record to 117-14-1.