In a spectacular conclusion to a month replete with thrilling contests, ONE Championship delivered an event for the ages at the esteemed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The card, aptly named ONE Friday Fights 30, took place on August 25, 2023, and stands out as an unparalleled display of Muay Thai combat sports, boasting nine finishes in 12 bouts.

At the heart of this sensational evening was the marquee match-up in the bantamweight Muay Thai division between Saemapetch Fairtex and Kaonar Sor Jor Thongprajin. Saemapetch, who has been heralded as one of the best fighters of his generation, provided credence to that lofty reputation. He secured a stunning win against his seasoned adversary, Kaonar, within just two minutes and nine seconds of the first round. 

The bout began with an immediate sense of urgency. Saemapetch landed a looping counter left hand within the first minute, delivering an initial standing eight-count against Kaonar. The action resumed swiftly, and Saemapetch unleashed a masterfully executed four-punch combination that left Kaonar incapacitated, bringing an end to the bout at precisely 2:09 of the opening round. Even though Kaonar carried the prestigious title of a former Lumpinee Stadium world champion, Saemapetch’s performance underscored the assertion that he operates in a league of his own. 

Commenting on his match preparation, Saemapetch stated, “We’ve been training hard in our gym, and we’ve been studying him so hard on what kind of plan he’s gonna bring so we can adapt.” This victory adds another notch to Saemapetch’s already illustrious career, bringing his total wins in ONE Championship to eight, including three in his last four promotional appearances.

It wasn’t just the technicality that was noteworthy; the pace of the bout was unrelenting. Saemapetch weathered Kaonar’s initial assaults with consummate ease and countered the 33-year-old’s pressure with a dexterous strategy. Barely 30 seconds had elapsed in the fight when Saemapetch struck his first significant blow, a devastating left hook that led to the first knockdown of the night. Kaonar’s attempt at recovery proved futile as Saemapetch, sensing his opponent’s vulnerability, followed up with a lethal 1-2 punch combination that effectively sealed the bout. 

In the co-main event, Aliff Sor Dechapan and Yangdam Sor Tor Hiewbangsean captivated the audience in a 122-pound catchweight Muay Thai clash. Aliff showcased his technical prowess, deploying his long limbs to break down Yangdam systematically. Despite Yangdam’s valiant resilience, the unanimous decision rightfully went to Aliff, who thereby extended his ONE Championship winning streak to three consecutive victories.

Mixed Martial Arts also featured prominently on the card, providing a rich tapestry of combat sports for aficionados. In one such match, Mukhammadumar Abdurakhmonov achieved a decision victory over South Korean fighter Lim Gwan-Woo. Meanwhile, Russian welterweight Gadzhimurad Amirzhanov displayed a chilling level of ruthlessness. He concluded his bout with Mehraban Farhadi via a first-round anaconda choke, pushing his undefeated record to 4-0 and causing Farhadi’s record to drop to 4-1.

Here is a comprehensive rundown of the exhilarating ONE Friday Fights 30 event held in Bangkok:

  • In the bantamweight Muay Thai division, Saemapetch Fairtex triumphed over Kaonar Sor Jor Thongprajin, securing a knockout via a left hook at the 2:09 mark of the first round.
  • In the catchweight Muay Thai bout at 122 lbs, Aliff Sor Dechapan emerged victorious against Yangdam Sor Tor Hiewbangsaen through a unanimous decision.
  • Worapon Paidong clinched a win over Slatan Jitmuangnon in the catchweight Muay Thai fight at 140 lbs, delivering a knockout at 1:47 of the second round.
  • In another catchweight Muay Thai contest at 116 lbs, Songchainoi Kiatsongrit defeated Chokdee Maxjandee with a knockout at 1:45 of the second round.
  • Chatanan Sor Jor Joyprajin bested Haodong Jitmuangnon in the 129-lb catchweight Muay Thai match, securing a knockout via a left hook at 2:39 of round two.
  • Chalawan Ngorbangkapi triumphed over Kaoklai Chor Hapayak in the strawweight Muay Thai division, achieving a knockout at 1:24 of the second round.
  • In the catchweight Muay Thai fight at 139 lbs, Kongklai Annymuaythai defeated Silviu Vitez through a technical knockout, with the referee stopping the fight at 2:42 of the second round.
  • Eisaku Ogasawara overcame Yodwittaya Petchompoo in the 132-lb catchweight Muay Thai match, achieving a knockout via a punch combination just 31 seconds into the first round.
  • In the 165-lb catchweight Muay Thai bout, Ricardo Bravo defeated Denpanom Pran26 with a knockout at 1:48 of the second round.
  • Petgarfield Jitmuangnon won against Sho Ogawa in the 138-lb catchweight Muay Thai match through a unanimous decision.
  • In welterweight MMA action, Gadzhimurad Amirzhanov submitted Mehraban Farhadi with an anaconda choke at 1:27 of the opening round.
  • Lastly, in the catchweight MMA contest at 163 lbs, Mukhammadumar Abdurakhmonov bested Gwanwoo Lim through a unanimous decision.

The spectacle of the night extended far beyond just the marquee matchups; indeed, the entire lineup at ONE Friday Fights 30 was a feast for aficionados of hand-to-hand combat. Looking ahead, the sequel — ONE Friday Fights 31 — is set to ignite the renowned Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on September 1st.

Offering a tantalising blend of top-tier Muay Thai, complemented by special guest appearances in mixed martial arts and kickboxing, Bangkok’s ardent fight fans are in for another whirlwind night of combat sports under the prime-time lights of Asia.

Lineup for ONE Friday Fights 31:

  • In the flyweight division of Muay Thai, Kongthoranee Sor Sommai is pitted against Sherzod Kabutov.
  • At a 132-pound catchweight, Mongkolkaew Sor Sommai faces off with Chorfah Tor Sangtiennoi.
  • In a Muay Thai bout set at 138-pound catchweight, Sibsan Nokkhao KorMor11 will clash with Baramee Sujeebameekiew.
  • The Muay Thai flyweight bout features Puengluang Baanramba taking on Seksan Fairtex.
  • Another Muay Thai catchweight contest at 128 pounds sees Sornsueknoi FA Group square off against Udomlek Nupranburi.
  • In a Muay Thai catchweight showdown at 117 pounds, Apidet Namduemmee77 is matched against Tonglampoon Maimornforest.
  • Alaverdi Ramazanov and Alessandro Sara will vie for supremacy in the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
  • Also in the bantamweight category for Muay Thai, Sansiri PK Saenchai will go head-to-head with Shinji Suzuki.
  • Kickboxing joins the fray in the strawweight division as Huo Xiaolong faces off against Luca Cecchetti.
  • A Muay Thai catchweight bout at 112 pounds showcases Nongam Fairtex challenging Francisca Vera.
  • The MMA division at 139-pound catchweight features Gadzhimurad Gasanguseinov going toe-to-toe with Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu.
  • In another MMA match at a catchweight of 176 pounds, Kurbanali Isabekov takes on Abdukodir Abduvorisov.