ONE Championship

One more loss might have pushed a fan-favorite slugger out of the big show. Instead, he rebuilt himself as a patient tactician, and he believes the change has made him even more dangerous.

Nakrob Fairtex meets Parham Gheirati in a bantamweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Fight Night 48 on Prime Video on Friday, October 2. The bout airs live in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 27-year-old Fairtex Training Center standout entered his last fight against Englishman Jacob Smith on a three-fight losing streak. Known for chaotic, all-out exchanges, he instead produced a calculated and restrained performance to earn the decision.

He now faces a 22-year-old Iranian who won six straight before his lone promotional loss to Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon. Gheirati returns from nearly a year out after a knockout of Tyson Harrison.

Nakrob admits the stakes of that Smith fight weighed heavily on him.

“I felt immense pressure. I was on a three-fight losing streak, so losing again would’ve made it really tough to stay in the big show,” Nakrob said.

“Overall, all three rounds went completely according to plan. I barely took any clean hits, while landing a ton of punches and kicks, which ultimately earned me the decision win.”

Nakrob Fairtex feels heavier power at bantamweight

Only his second fight in the heavier division, this bout gives Nakrob a chance to show that his discipline travels. He expects Gheirati’s fast, heavy hands to test that composure in close range.

Yet the move up has brought an unexpected bonus in training. The Thai says his strikes now land with a weight that surprised even him.

“While I might not throw strikes as fast in this weight class, I’ve gained a lot more power in return. During training, my strikes felt so much heavier that I actually surprised myself. I’ve never hit this hard before,” Nakrob said.

“Even with a tactical approach, my goal every time I step into the ring is to get the finish. In this weight class, I’m confident that if I land a clean shot, anyone can go down. If Parham leaves an opening, I’m ready to close the show immediately.”

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM