Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri spent countless hours drilling a high right kick with some of Thailand’s finest coaches at PK Saenchai Muaythaigym. Morning sessions, evening sessions, the same kick thrown until muscle memory replaced conscious thought. When Alexey Balyko stepped into range at 2:06 of their featherweight Muay Thai rematch at ONE Friday Fights 137 inside Lumpinee Stadium, instinct took over.
The Russian’s lights went out, the referee waving off the contest before Balyko’s unconscious body had settled on the canvas. Revenge secured, nine-fight winning streak extended, record improved to 126-36. Then came the announcement that mattered most — a six-figure ONE Championship contract.
“That neck kick, I drilled it with Ajarn Chanwit, Sia Khaek, and Tawanchai [PK Saenchai] every single day,” Yod-IQ said.
“Morning and evening, we trained like this until it became instinct. Even though I didn’t know when I’d get the timing to kick, we had to prepare it beforehand. When the real moment came, it came out naturally. I prayed in my heart that he wouldn’t get up because I really wanted to finish the fight.”
That prayer was answered with theatrical finality.
The contract announcement that followed produced the kind of emotional response championship belts generate — the 23-year-old screamed upon hearing ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong had awarded him the life-changing deal.
“The moment they announced I got the contract, I screamed because, as I said, at first I didn’t dare to hope,” Yod-IQ said.
“I didn’t think the boss would surprise me like this. I’m very ready. I’ve been ready to seize this opportunity for a long time, and I have to thank all the fans who were an important part in helping to voice their support until I received this contract.”
With his place on ONE’s global roster secured, Yod-IQ’s gaze shifts toward Nabil Anane’s bantamweight Muay Thai title.
Training alongside featherweight king Tawanchai has provided the blueprint for championship pursuits, though the young Thai has established clear boundaries about his path.
“I only want to face foreign fighters. I don’t want to face Thai fighters,” Yod-IQ said.
“My ultimate goal is to become the World Champion at 145 pounds.”
After twelve fights and eleven victories on ONE Friday Fights, the Thai striker embraces patient progression rather than rushed championship challenges. Still, dream matchups occupy his thoughts.
“Right now, I want to focus on one fight at a time and continuously develop myself because in the major promotion, there are only skilled fighters,” Yod-IQ said.
“The opponents I’m especially watching are old rivals like Abdulla Dayakaev and Jonathan Haggerty.”
The high kick that ended Balyko’s night represented more than revenge — it launched everything Yod-IQ has been working toward his entire career.
