Experience carries weight that no unblemished record can manufacture, and Isi Fitikefu believes Friday’s welterweight clash with Chase Mann will expose exactly that truth. The Tongan-Australian veteran faces the undefeated American newcomer at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Prime Video, supremely confident the gap between promotional debut and established contender will reveal itself once competition begins.

Fitikefu’s perspective stems from more than bravado. The 33-year-old has navigated the learning curve that awaits Mann — making his promotional debut with a pristine 7-0 record before absorbing a split-decision loss to Ruslan Emilbek Uulu, then rebuilding through victories over Valmir Da Silva and Hiroyuki Tetsuka. That journey from unbeaten prospect to battle-tested contender shapes how he views Mann’s perfect 6-0 slate and inspirational backstory of overcoming childhood hardship marked by parental drug addiction.

Flawless records mean nothing when separated from context, Fitikefu argues. The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Smeaton Grange representative approaches Mann’s unblemished resume the same way he’d face any opponent stepping into Lumpinee Stadium — with complete indifference to reputation and total focus on execution.

“I don’t care if he’s undefeated or if he has 1,000 or 600 fights,” Fitikefu stated. “I prepare the same as I always prepare. It doesn’t matter if it’s a World Title fight or a normal fight. If you’re in my way, I’m getting past you. I always train like a maniac, and it’s the same for this fight. I don’t fear anyone.”

That mentality extends beyond preparation into technical assessment. After studying Mann’s approach and understanding the American’s journey to Friday’s stage, Fitikefu sees clear separation between their respective skill levels. The experience gap manifests not through arrogance but through measured evaluation of what Mann faces stepping into the global spotlight for the first time.

“I really just train in my own style. I don’t train according to his style or someone else’s style. I’m doing what I can do within my control,” Fitikefu explained. “No disrespect to the guy, but I believe there are levels to this game. I’m not disrespecting him. I don’t know what he’s done, but I feel like I’m a level above him.”

When Fitikefu discusses his fighting style, the emphasis falls entirely on pressure and intensity. The BJJ black belt built his reputation overwhelming opponents through relentless pace from opening bell to final horn, forcing mistakes through sustained aggression rather than waiting for opportunities to develop naturally. Against Mann, that suffocating approach becomes the primary test — whether the unbeaten prospect can handle the heat of championship-level competition.

“I love to bring the heat. And if he doesn’t like the heat, then get out of the kitchen,” Fitikefu offered. “I’m coming to bring the fight to him. I like my style because that’s how I fight. If you don’t want to be there, man, good luck. The only way you’re going to get out of there is if I finish you.”

That finishing instinct drives Fitikefu’s prediction for Friday’s outcome. The Sydney-based fighter doesn’t merely expect victory. He’s certain the fight ends decisively regardless of method or timing. Whether knockout or submission, whether round one or round three, the result remains identical in his vision.

“I’ll be going all out, hunting, attacking, and doing everything I can until I finish him,” Fitikefu stated. “Could be round one, could be round three. I don’t know which one it is, I don’t know. Could be a knockout or a submission. But one thing’s guaranteed: I’m finishing him.”

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