Of all the bantamweight Muay Thai fighters who compete in ONE Championship, perhaps none have had a career quite like Saemapetch Fairtex.
Since joining the promotion in 2018, Saemapetch has fought the best of the best, even challenging former champ Nong-O Hama for the division’s title. But he is most known for his ability to score wins over men who previously beat him.
The 30-year-old will attempt the feat yet again in a rematch with Felipe Lobo at ONE Fight Night 28. The event takes place this Saturday, February 8, in Bangkok, Thailand’s New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Saemapetch fell to Lobo in their initial April 2023 fight. There, the Brazilian scored a KO in the waning moments of round three.
This time around, the man known for his counter punches promises to be more aggressive.
“This fight will be different from the first fight against Felipe. This time, I will be the one to press and corner him,” Saemapetch said.
“I am very motivated to fight in the rematch because I already know his flaws from the first time I lost to him. In our second fight, I know what style I should use to fight against him and what kind of attacks I should use.”
When given a second chance, Saemapetch wins.
He proved this in his rematches with Rittewada Petchyindeee and Mohamed Younes Rabah. He lost to these fighters by TKO and KO, respectively, only to knock them both out in rematches.
So, if history tells us anything, it’s that Saemapetch is more dangerous when he’s already had a go at his opponent.
“This time,” he said, “I hope to come back to get my revenge and defeat Felipe, as well.”
Saemapetch Fairtex Outlines Path To Victory Over Felipe Lobo At ONE Fight Night 28
Having shared the ring with Felipe Lobo once before, Saemapetch Fairtex knows all about his upcoming opponent.
That said, he plans to proceed with caution when exchanging punches in close range. Instead, he’s opting to use his full arsenal come ONE Fight Night 28.
“The thing that I have to be most careful of is his punching, because when he throws a punch, he doesn’t just throw it once, but it comes out in full combination. You have to find a way to block really well,” Saemapetch said.
“As for me, I have prepared all the weapons – punches, kicks, knees, and elbows – to bring to this fight. I didn’t practice with the intention of just going to fight. I come with a full set of Muay Thai weapons because if there’s an opening, I can pick the right weapon to attack him immediately.”