Saemapetch Fairtex had the chance to become the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion late last year when he faced his idol and reigning titleholder Nong-O Gaiyanghadao.
Unfortunately for him, he dropped a fourth-round KO loss to Nong-O. Now, though, he’s looking for redemption.
But first, he has to get past Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym in their ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament semi-final clash at ONE: No Surrender II in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, August 14.
Saemapetch looks back on his loss to Nong-O, and how the experience will make him a different athlete against Rodlek.
“During the fight, we spent our full power to fight against each other like we were strangers. I focused on doing my best, and that was the result,” Saemapetch told ONEFC.com.
“Because he has more experience than me, that fight ended with my TKO loss. But I was proud to fight with him.”
Though he ended up with an L on his record, the resident of Pattaya believes the match only made him better – and at just 25 years old, he is bound to improve.
“I learned many things from him and adapted it to my style, such as attacking, punching style, heavy strikes, counterattacks, and tactics,” Saemapetch said.
The Fairtex representative also has a score to settle with Rodlek.
The pair have faced each other three times, with Saemapetch losing twice. That is why he expects a tough grind against a very aggressive Rodlek.
“He is like a tank. He keeps attacking by kicks and knee strikes, and going forward to keep the pressure on his opponents,” Saemapetch said.
“[His best weapons] would be his fists, elbows, and knees — especially knees, because he has mastered knee techniques.”
Though Rodlek may have had his number in the past, Saemapetch is confident he will get the win in their upcoming fourth encounter.
“This time it is different, and I also trained for additional skills as well,” the Fairtex standout said.
“I have an ample amount of fighting experience, and I will use my new style to fight with him.”
ONE Championship returns to action with ONE: No Surrender II on August 14 and ONE: No Surrender III on August 21 as The Home Of Martial Arts rolls out its series of live events in the new normal.
Watch the event live on One Sports or One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). Also, TV5 will air the event on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT.
Read More From ONE Championship:
5 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss ONE: NO SURRENDER II
Who Ya Got? Previewing The ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament
