Kongchai Vows to End Slow Starts Against Thway Lin Htet at ONE Friday Fights 140
Self-criticism drives improvement better than external pressure ever could, and Kongchai Chanaidonmueang enters his record 16th Friday Fights appearance demanding more from himself than audiences ever expected. The 23-year-old Thai southpaw headlines ONE Friday Fights 140 on January 30 against Myanmar powerhouse Thway Lin Htet, vowing to eliminate the slow starts that have frustrated him despite recent victories.
Kongchai’s blunt assessment of his own tendencies reveals maturity beyond his years. The former Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion recognizes that landing kicks and winning decisions no longer satisfies his championship ambitions. His latest victory over Walter Goncalves earned scores but exposed defensive lapses and delayed aggression he refuses to accept moving forward.
“In my last outing, I got a score from landing my kicks because my opponent didn’t like to guard them. So I saw plenty of openings,” Kongchai explained. “I’d give myself a 7 out of 10, though, because I still ate a lot of shots. My biggest weakness is my blocking. I’m still struggling with that. Also, the fans are right, I’m a slow starter. I tend to wait until the third round to really let my hands go. I need to fix that. I can’t afford to wait, I have to be firing from the very first bell.”
That commitment to immediate aggression shapes his entire approach against Thway Lin Htet, whose 31-2 record includes the durability that carried him through battles with elite competition. The Myanmar striker dropped Sam-A Gaiyanghadao with a counter spinning backfist despite absorbing heavy punishment, showcasing unpredictability that makes him dangerous throughout all exchanges.
Kongchai welcomes that challenge specifically because it matches his preference for brawlers over technical counter-fighters. He studied Thway Lin Htet’s recent performances, identifying specific vulnerabilities beyond simple toughness.
“Thway Lin Htet’s durability doesn’t scare me. I’ve fought plenty of tough guys and won. I actually prefer fighting brawlers. Whenever I’m in a slugfest, I usually win,” Kongchai stated. “His weakness is that he doesn’t check kicks well, his defense can be sloppy. He’s tough, sure, but when he gets hit, he slows down. I’ve seen him stall. If he doesn’t start checking my kicks, he’s in trouble. Once I land my power shots, he’s going to fade.”
The game plan extends past exploiting defensive gaps. Kongchai plans to hunt the knockout from opening bell rather than building momentum gradually through rounds. His devastating left straight and body kick create finishing opportunities if deployed with immediate urgency instead of strategic patience.
“This time, I’m throwing everything at him. I’m hunting for the knockout,” Kongchai declared. “If we start trading and I see a gap, I’m going for it. I definitely want that bonus. This fight, I’m pushing the pace immediately. No more ‘slow starter’ excuses.”
That urgency reflects broader goals beyond single victories. Kongchai managed only two wins last year, a productivity level unacceptable for someone chasing the $100,000 contract that transforms Friday Fights competitors into main roster contenders. Friday represents another opportunity demonstrating he belongs among divisional elites rather than perpetual prospects.
His long-term vision extends to ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai, whom he identifies as the gold standard. But reaching that level demands consistent excellence rather than occasional brilliance, starting with decisive finishes against dangerous opponents like Thway Lin Htet.
“My goal this year is to rack up more wins. Last year, I only got two, so I need to stay busier,” Kongchai explained. “If I get past him, I’m ready for anyone ONE throws at me. In this division, Prajanchai is the gold standard.”
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