Mehrdad Khanzadeh Has Been Through The Fire And Is Ready For Kongchai
There is a particular kind of confidence that can only be earned by going down and getting back up. Mehrdad “Black Wolf” Khanzadeh has earned it.
The 24-year-old Iranian striker returns to headline ONE Friday Fights 148 this Friday, March 27, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok against Kongchai Chanaidonmueang in a strawweight Muay Thai main event. Both men are chasing the US$100,000 contract that could change the course of their careers.
Khanzadeh’s path to this moment has not been a straight line. He made an instant impression on debut at ONE Friday Fights 40 with heavy hands and forward intent, securing a unanimous decision win. A narrow loss to Pichitchai PK Saenchai tested his resolve, but last September at ONE Friday Fights 125 he answered the hardest kind of question. He took a knockdown from Kritpet PK Saenchai in a firefight that had both men hurt, then dug in and ground out a split-decision victory.
That result shaped who he is now.
“My confidence mainly comes from my belief in my training,” he said. “Training and sparring regularly with skilled fighters in the gym has put my body in great condition. That allowed me to absorb the strikes and stay composed enough to come back.”
Since that win, a victory outside the promotion against a Moroccan opponent added further sharpness and momentum heading into the biggest fight of his ONE career.
“That victory gave me a lot of energy and confidence,” he said. “It made me feel hopeful and fully ready for this upcoming fight.”
What awaits him is one of the most experienced performers in the weekly series. Kongchai has been at this level for years, and his timing and southpaw left kick have troubled opponents consistently. Khanzadeh has watched the tape and reached his own conclusion.
“I believe I’m more well-rounded than him, especially in terms of my punches and kicks,” he said. “As for Kongchai, I think his main strength is his powerful left kick.”
That assessment will be stress-tested the moment the bell rings. Kongchai arrives with his own point to prove and his own hunger for a finish. What both men share is the knowledge that Friday night in Bangkok is the kind of opportunity that does not come around twice.
Khanzadeh is not overthinking it. He is ready to go all out.
READ MORE: Tom Aspinall Reveals Moment He Knew Alex Pereira Wanted the Fight
Recent posts
