‘They’re Gonna Get Something Completely Different’ – Jake Peacock Locked In For Muay Thai War With Suakim At ONE 173
Jake “The One” Peacock is ready for the biggest test of his career.
On Sunday, November 16, the British-Canadian striker will collide with Thai veteran Suakim Sor Jor Tongprajin in a bantamweight Muay Thai bout at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, live from Tokyo, Japan’s Ariake Arena.
Peacock has long been one of the most dynamic figures in ONE Championship’s Muay Thai ranks, combining sharp technique with unshakable composure.
When the opportunity to face a high-level opponent came, the 32-year-old didn’t hesitate. For him, every fight is a step toward proving that his evolution as a martial artist is far from complete.
He said:
“I want to keep testing myself and seeing just how good I can be and where I can go. I don’t want to waste time either. I’m 32, and I don’t feel like I’ve reached my prime yet.
“Suakim’s a really respectable opponent. I know that he’ll be ready, and when I beat Suakim, there won’t be much room for doubt in people’s minds.”
That drive stems from a deep desire to refine both his craft and his mindset. Peacock has been flawless inside the world’s largest martial arts organization so far.
In his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 58 in April last year, he dominated Kohei Shinjo for a unanimous decision. In his most recent outing at ONE 171: Qatar in February, he dropped Shinji Suzuki three times to earn a third-round TKO.
For the Road to ONE: Canada winner, success at the elite level depends less on what happens in the gym and more on what happens in the mind — the ability to stay composed and confident against the best.
He said:
“At this level, at the world level, you’re talking about the top 20 in the world. It’s all mental, because we can all punch, kick, knee, and elbow. We’re all fit, we’re all tough. It’s about mentality at this stage.”
He will test that mentality against Suakim – a battle-hardened Muay Thai stylist known for his unrelenting forward pressure and refusal to quit.
The former three-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion has looked unstoppable recently, securing victories in his last five appearances in ONE.
Peacock respects the Thai’s toughness but believes his own versatility and power will make the difference on fight night. His confidence stems from knowing he can match Suakim’s aggression while bringing more variety and precision to his attacks.
He said:
“Suakim’s got a lot of experience. He’s extremely tough – as we saw in his last fight, he broke his orbital early on and still kept coming forward. The more you hurt him, the more he comes forward. You either put him out, or expect someone who’ll keep walking through your shots for three, five rounds, whatever it is.
“He’s very well rounded. He can fight in all areas. But as a whole, he’s just an aggressive fighter with a lot of heart. I’m aggressive too, but I believe I’m more dynamic.”
With Family By His Side, Peacock Aims To Deliver His Best Performance Yet
Ahead of his ONE 173 showdown in Tokyo, Jake Peacock has been fully immersed in training camp – one that took him from his gym in Canada to Thailand’s most renowned Muay Thai facilities.
The move allowed him to sharpen his skills while escaping everyday distractions, creating the perfect environment for focus and growth.
Splitting time between 8 Star Muay Thai in Bangkok and Superpro Samui on Koh Samui, he fine-tuned his game with new sparring partners and a change of pace that reignited his hunger for competition.
He said:
“I started 12 weeks out because I knew the first week in Thailand would be a bit of a roller coaster to get settled and everything. We were only in Bangkok for a week, then we flew to Koh Samui for the rest of the training camp. I’ve been locked in for over a month, and everything’s dialed in. My family’s been really great with it.”
Even with that stability, Peacock is known for reinventing himself before every fight. Each training camp brings new lessons and fresh ideas, and this one has been no different.
He promises that the version of himself stepping into the Circle in Tokyo will surprise both his opponent and the audience.
“The One” said:
“They’re gonna expect a certain style from me. They’re gonna get something completely different, I guarantee it. Everyone has an idea about my style, but they have no idea the other areas I’m capable of. And I think it would be a big shock”
Training in Thailand has also allowed Peacock to simplify life, focusing solely on training, recovering, and spending time with his loved ones.
The peace and rhythm of the islands have given him clarity ahead of the biggest bout of his career.
Now, with ONE 173 fast approaching, Peacock feels sharper, stronger, and more confident than ever. He’s ready to deliver a statement performance, built on months of preparation and years of discipline.
Peacock said:
“Part of coming here was to bring my family so they can watch a ONE Championship event. Back home, there’s so much going on. I’ve got a lot of responsibility. But [here], all I’m going to do is relax with the family and training.
“I’m very powerful for the division. I think he won’t be able to walk through my shots like he’s walked through other people.”
