Saemapetch Fairtex enters the ONE Friday Fights 125 main event carrying more than personal redemption on his shoulders, as recent Russian dominance over elite Thai fighters has transformed his bantamweight collision with Elbrus Osmanov into national pride.

The former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title challenger headlines the September 19 event at Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium riding a three-fight losing streak that has threatened to derail his championship dreams.

But Saemapetch’s motivation extends beyond simple career survival. The trend of Russian fighters defeating Thailand’s top talents under Muay Thai rules has created urgency for the Thai.

Eleven of Saemapetch’s last 12 fights have ended by knockout, creating the kind of explosive expectation that guarantees fireworks regardless of who delivers the finishing blow. But his recent struggles have coincided with the rise of Russian destroyers.

Osmanov represents that dangerous new wave, arriving fresh from a first-round knockout victory that established his finishing credentials. The Russian understands that another finish of an established veteran like Saemapetch would significantly increase his chances of earning a life-changing $100,000 contract with ONE.

The international featured bout delivers intrigue as Kongchai Chanaidonmueang faces already-contracted Walter Goncalves in strawweight Muay Thai action. Kongchai’s inconsistent ONE Friday Fights run has prevented him from stringing together more than two consecutive victories.

A win over Goncalves would prove his ability to compete at elite levels while potentially earning the contract recognition his talent deserves. The Brazilian brings multi-discipline experience from flyweight competition in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA.

Goncalves dropped to strawweight after mixed success at flyweight. His promotional reputation depends on proving this division suits his skill set while maintaining his contracted status with an impressive performance.

The card features compelling international flavor with debuts from Korea’s Kyung Joong Kim facing Japan’s Su Sung Cho Gotoh in 139-pound MMA, plus Colombia’s Juliana Otalora battling Australia’s Kim Tran in atomweight MMA action.

ONE Friday Fights 125 Full Card

• Saemapetch Fairtex vs. Elbrus Osmanov (Muay Thai – bantamweight)
• Saksri Superlek Muaythai vs. Logan Chan (Muay Thai – 138 pounds)
• Petninmungkorn NamkangIceland vs. Petnaya NhongBangsai (Muay Thai – atomweight)
• Kritpet PK Saenchai vs. Mehrdad Khanzadeh (Muay Thai – strawweight)
• Anon Taladkondernmuangpon vs. Gianny De Leu (Muay Thai – 118 pounds)
• Ikkyusan Sor Salacheep vs. Kampanthong Chor Hapayak (Muay Thai – 113 pounds)
• Kongchai Chanaidonmueang vs. Walter Goncalves (Muay Thai – strawweight)
• Guyasit Singha Mawynn vs. Dzhamil Osmanov (Muay Thai – bantamweight)
• Liu Yuer vs. Nefise Delikurt (Muay Thai – atomweight)
• Rayan Mekki vs. Muga (Muay Thai – 140 pounds)
• Kyung Joong Kim vs. Su Sung Cho Gotoh (MMA – 139 pounds)
• Juliana Otalora vs. Kim Tran (MMA – atomweight)

READ MORE: Rodtang Vs. Nong-O World Title Fight, Plus Three Other Bouts Added To ONE 173

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