Lito Adiwang breaks down Sangmanee vs Kulabdam

Fifth-ranked ONE Championship strawweight Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang is one of the most-traveled athletes from the Philippines.

Before settling down with Team Lakay, Adiwang’s journey in martial arts took him all over Asia, including India, Malaysia, and, of course, Thailand.

So he feels very excited for the all-Thai main event at ONE: No Surrender III this Friday, August 21, in Bangkok, Thailand. There, “The Million Dollar Baby” Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort takes on “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai in the semifinals of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament.

The winner of the match gets a date with Saemapetch Fairtex in the finals. Then the winner there will challenge reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao sometime down the road.

“I am very excited to watch these two Muay Thai champs collide this Friday. Both are at their peak, and both fighters love to come forward and deliver strikes with intentions of finishing their opponent,” Adiwang said.

“Both are also southpaws, so it will be interesting how they’ll adjust to each other’s stance and capitalize to deliver that clear shot and get a home run.”

When asked to break down the match further, “Thunder Kid” noted the difference between both men’s points of attack.

He expects Sangmanee to use his kicks when he presses forward, and anticipates Kulabdam to go to his bread-and-butter — his boxing.

“As I watched Sangmanee in some of his fights, I saw that his key weapon is his pressure and his powerful left kick,” Adiwang said.

“On the other hand, we have Kulabdam who also loves to come forward and is very technical with his punches and leg kicks.”

“Thunder Kid” had reservations about predicting the winner, and believes this match will come down to who can implement his strategy without fault.

“I cannot wait for Friday to watch and see who has the better game plan, and who can execute their strengths,” he said.

“I wish them both good luck.”