ONE Friday Fights 129: High-Stakes Muay Thai and MMA Return to Lumpinee Stadium
ONE Championship’s weekly showcase returns to the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, October 17, offering a compelling night of Muay Thai and MMA action with a significant incentive: a life-changing US$100,000 contract and a coveted spot on the organization’s main roster.
The event, ONE Friday Fights 129, will air live in Asia primetime, promising a thrilling spectacle for fight fans across the region. Twelve matchups are scheduled, each carrying immense weight for the athletes involved.
Tengnueng Fairtex vs. Tun Min Aung: A Clash of Generations and Styles
Headlining the event is a captivating Muay Thai clash between Thailand’s Tengnueng Fairtex and Myanmar’s rising star, Tun Min Aung. The 32-year-old Tengnueng brings a wealth of experience to the ring, boasting a professional record of 103-15-4. He credits his father, also a fighter, with instilling in him a love for the sport, a passion ignited by his first victory and the prize money it brought.
After a two-year hiatus, Tengnueng returned with renewed vigor, fighting now to provide for his family. He is renowned for his powerful left body kick and devastating left hand. “He’s a warrior who has spent nearly two decades in combat sports,” one analyst noted.
Facing him is the 19-year-old Tun Min Aung, a Lethwei specialist with an impressive 45-2-7 record. A cousin of Sulaiman Looksuan, Tun Min Aung is known for his relentless pressure and finishing ability. Coming off consecutive wins, he represents a new wave of fighters eager to challenge the established guard.
Petlampun Muadablampang vs. Ayad Albadr: Overcoming Obstacles in the Co-Main Event
The co-main event features a compelling Muay Thai bout between Thailand’s Petlampun Muadablampang and Iraq’s Ayad Albadr. Petlampun, 28, holds a record of 92-24-2 and discovered his passion for the sport at age 13, despite initial reservations from his farming parents. Now a physical education graduate, he plans to open his own gym, fueled by the knockout bonuses he’s earned throughout his career.
Albadr, 24, faced significant challenges pursuing martial arts in Iraq, where resources were scarce. He persevered, winning a national championship and earning a place on the Iraqi national team, compiling a 14-6 record. Supported financially by his three older brothers, Albadr now aims to secure a ONE Championship contract to repay their generosity.
Smith’s Debut and International Talent on Display
Undefeated 19-year-old British prodigy Fergus Smith will make his ONE Championship debut against Yemen’s Zahran Al-Wesabi in a Muay Thai contest. Smith, whose parents own the renowned Bad Company gym in England, has been immersed in the world of Muay Thai since birth, accumulating over 100 junior fights with minimal losses. He aspires to surpass the champions who have shaped his upbringing.
His opponent, Al-Wesabi, is a relentless brawler with a 30-3 record, known for his aggressive and unpredictable style.
The international flavor of ONE Championship continues with matchups featuring athletes from Thailand, Morocco, the Philippines, Australia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Japan, and more. Already-contracted Thai star Kampeetewada Sitthikul will face Morocco’s Hamza Rachid in bantamweight Muay Thai action, while Thailand’s Lamsing Sor Dechapan will battle undefeated Uzbek phenom Khasan Salomov. Salomov’s twin brother, Khusen, also competes in Muay Thai, adding a unique sibling rivalry to the event.
Full Card for ONE Friday Fights 129
Here is the complete fight card for ONE Friday Fights 129:
- Tengnueng Fairtex vs. Tun Min Aung (Muay Thai – 165 pounds)
- Petlampun Muadablampang vs. Ayad Albadr (Muay Thai – 126 pounds)
- Brazil Aekmuangnon vs. Soufiane Mejdoubi (Muay Thai – 130 pounds)
- Samanchai Sor Sommai vs. Tamnanthai PK Lekfirsthouse (Muay Thai – 122 pounds)
- Fergus Smith vs. Zahran Al-Wesabi (Muay Thai – 118 pounds)
- Kampeetewada Sitthikul vs. Hamza Rachid (Muay Thai – bantamweight)
- Yousef Hemati vs. Kenan Bayramov (Muay Thai – 160 pounds)
- Alastair Volders vs. Asadbek Erkinov (MMA – bantamweight)
- Marwin Quirante vs. Ali Afrogh (MMA – 128 pounds)
ONE Friday Fights 129 promises an evening of high-octane action, showcasing the best of Muay Thai and MMA talent on a global stage, with the ultimate prize of a ONE Championship contract hanging in the balance.
