Yuan Pengjie Values Legacy Over Money Ahead Of Kongthoranee Test At The Inner Circle 32
Two wins into his ONE career, Yuan Pengjie has already worked out what bothers opponents most about sharing a ring with him. It is the speed, and more specifically, the fact that he decides how fast things move.
The Chinese striker faces former three-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in the flyweight kickboxing co-main event of The Inner Circle 32 on Friday, September 25. The bout streams live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium for subscribers at live.onefc.com.
The Jiangxi native owns a 40-4 professional record, and his early ONE victories came against WMC World Champion Lamnamoonlek Torfunfarm and veteran Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi. Both men, in his view, ended up fighting on his terms.
“I feel that I am performing at my best. I feel that in these two fights, my opponent got to fight [my style] of kickboxing,” Yuan said.
“Based on my previous fights, other fighters cannot easily get used to the way I control the speed and my own rhythm. So I feel that this time, my opponent also cannot easily get used to my style.”
Other fighters have already turned big wins into US$100,000 main roster deals. The Sitsongpeenong product believes his turn has come, with a durable, evasive 29-year-old standing between him and that moment.
Yet the money is not what drives him. At 23, Yuan already sees himself as an example for younger athletes chasing the same dream, and he talks about the contract as a doorway rather than a destination.
“I care more about the honor and legacy than just the money. I want to build a legacy with the title and be remembered. Getting the contract is like getting the key to open the door to the championship,” Yuan said.
“I feel that back home, a lot of fighters from the same gym are rooting for me and cheering for me. I feel this is a great opportunity. If I get the bonus, I will use it to invest in the gym and help support the other fighters who are cheering for me.”
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