Rambolek Primed For First ONE World Title Defense After Monkhood
Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon captured the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title in March, then stepped away to become a monk.
The 23-year-old Thai defends his gold against Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri in the main event of The Inner Circle 30 this Friday, September 11, from Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium.
As a child, Rambolek underwent a brief, one-day ordination as a gesture toward a teacher. This time, he committed fully, spending over a month living by the strict rhythms of monastic life.
“It was my first time truly being ordained. As a kid, I was only ordained for a single day for my teacher, which ended quickly. But this time, I was fully intentional about it. It was a wonderful experience — peaceful and deeply introspective,” he said. “Going hungry without being able to eat trained my patience, mindfulness, and self-discipline to overcome cravings. I spent a month and six days chanting and performing temple duties.”
Leaving the monastery, he expected relief. Instead, he found himself missing the structure he had lived under.
“Right after leaving the monastery, I actually missed the temple. Having lived there for over a month, stepping out made me reflect on no longer being in that space or following those daily rituals. It shared similarities with fight training — waking up early, eating, and sleeping — except as a monk, your day consists of morning alms, chanting, and temple responsibilities,” he said.
Asked directly whether the experience changed his outlook on life, Rambolek did not hesitate.
“Definitely. I feel much calmer and rarely let anyone’s comments get to me anymore.”
Living without phone access meant the champion had no idea his first title defense was even being discussed. He only discovered the news during one of his rare trips outside the temple.
“While I was still at the monastery, he had just called me out, and then suddenly the matchup was made official,” he said. “I actually saw the news while out collecting morning alms because there was no phone reception inside the temple. Once I saw it, people teased me, asking if he saw the monk as an easy target!”
The timing caught him off guard, since he had expected a different name across the ring.
“At first, I didn’t think my defense would be against Yod-IQ — I expected to face Haggerty since he mentioned wanting to return to Muay Thai. So getting matched with Yod-IQ was a genuine surprise.”
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