At ONE: NextGen II, a previously recorded event, ONE Championship bantamweights compete in the main event in an attempt to draw closer to Nong-O Gaiyanghadao and the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Saemapetch Fairtex vs. Rittewada Petchyindee Academy Preview
Saemapetch Fairtex and Rittewada Petchyindee Academy go head-to-head on the global stage in a Muay Thai showdown with everything on the line.
Rittewada makes his organizational debut against the top-ranked contender in the division. A victory will establish himself among the elite while showcasing to the world his extraordinary talent. The Thai athlete enters ONE with a 90-25-5 professional record.
“I want to show my talent. I want to show my skills. ONE has all great fighters, and I want to prove myself there to the world,” Rittewada told ONE in an interview.
“Saemapetch is ranked number one. I am glad [to fight him] and see it as a life-changing opportunity for me.”
“I think if I can beat him, I would be able to fight almost everyone in this weight class. My confidence is 100 percent, and I know I have a chance to win.”
But Saemapetch stands atop the bantamweight division as the #1-ranked bantamweight contender for a reason.
The Thai superstar is on a sensational three-bout win streak since coming up short in a firefight against Nong-O in 2019.
During the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament in 2020, Saemapetch won a closely-contested bout over Rodlek PK. Saenchaimuaythaigym before being replaced in the tournament by his foe when he could not make the finals.
However, when he was healthy, Saemapetch got his crack at Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai this past April. The former title challenger did not need all three rounds to get his work done, as he put Kulabdam down for the count with a brilliantly placed body shot.
The swift first-round knockout victory not only reaffirmed his place in the division but sent a message to one and all that he wants gold in the division.
Rittewada has everything to gain when the Circle door closes inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The debuting Thai warrior can knock off the surging top contender and lay claim to being next-in-line.
For Saemapetch, it is his time to send a message to Nong-O and get another step closer to a rematch. It is within his grasp, and another finish could very well get him what he covets, the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.
The dynamic striking main event is merely days away, and fans should expect a war inside the Circle.
ONE: NextGen II airs on Friday, November 12, on Bleacher Report at 8:30 a.m. EST/5:30 a.m. PST.
