22-year-old Marie Ruumet is out to shock the Muay Thai world on Friday, April 22, at ONE: Eersel vs. Sadikovic.
The Estonian athlete will take on pound-for-pound great Anissa Meksen.
Meksen made her ONE Championship debut in 2021 with an emphatic finish. Considered by many to be the best striker on the planet, the “Snow Leopard” recognizes the near-flawless technique of her opponent.
“She has excellent footwork. She’s swift and likes to move in and out. She throws good combinations, has the best hands, and powerful punches. Yes, she likes to chop the legs,” Ruumet told ONE.
Ruumet now trains at Marrok Force in Bangkok. The European star feels the shift to the new camp will bring out the best of her ahead of her return bout later in April.
“[Marrok] has excellent support here, the team is all very supportive, and the gym owners are very helpful with everything,” said Ruumet.
“The biggest difference is that here, I have more sparring partners. [In Chiang Mai], I was the only female fighter, and at the time, there weren’t even any other active fighters there. Here, I feel like we have a bigger team and more training partners and other female fighters, which is suitable for clinching and sparring.”
Meksen is 11 years the elder of Ruumet, and is more accustomed to competing under kickboxing rules. The four-ounce gloves of ONE Super Series Muay Thai will give Ruumet a chance to stun the French-Algerian.
“Snow Leopard” is planning on the ruleset to play in her favor to allow her to leave her prints on Meksen’s chin.
“Europeans are more accustomed to seeing kickboxing than Muay Thai. They like to see fancy combinations and explosiveness. So, I think they underestimate the calmer Muay Thai, in which a fighter throws one heavy kick and fewer combinations. I think people are not accustomed to seeing that, and that’s why they think kickboxing is superior,” said Ruumet.
In the face of her biggest challenge, Ruumet is steadfast. The Estonian just wants to compete and show the world her skills. The stiffest test awaits, and Ruumet is embracing the moment.
“Let’s make it fun. Let’s both have fun. Let’s do our best, and let the better fighter come out as the winner.”
ONE: Eersel vs. Sadikovic will air live on Friday, April 22, beginning at 4:30 a.m. ET/1:30 a.m. PT on watch.onefc.com.
