Tengnueng Fairtex has waited 121 professional fights and 15 years for his moment under Lumpinee Stadium’s brightest lights, and he plans to celebrate his main event debut with the kind of devastating finish that silences every critic who ever doubted his credentials.

The 32-year-old Thai veteran headlines ONE Friday Fights 121 this Friday against undefeated Russian destroyer Maksim Bakhtin, carrying the weight of a six-year unbeaten streak into the most important performance of his decorated career.

This collision represents everything beautiful about combat sports. Experience against youth, timing against speed, proven excellence against untested potential. Tengnueng understands that victory over such a dangerous opponent would validate everything he’s sacrificed to reach this stage.

“Being in the main event brings more pressure because more people are watching,” Tengnueng admitted. “But I’m very happy to get the honor of headlining this card. I’m ready to fight at my best, as always.”

The Fairtex Training Center representative faces the most dangerous type of opponent imaginable. Bakhtin arrives with pristine 10-0 record and the confidence that comes from destroying Javier Aparicio in just 77 seconds during his devastating promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 111.

That ferocious display announced the arrival of someone who possesses both finishing ability and the fearlessness that makes undefeated fighters incredibly dangerous. The 22-year-old Russian carries nothing but upside into this collision, making him the perfect spoiler for Tengnueng’s crowning moment.

But the Thai veteran has identified weaknesses within Bakhtin’s impressive skill set, particularly the speed advantage that could become a liability when faced with timing and experience.

“Maksim is a very fast opponent with a lot of tricky weapons, and I have to be careful of his back kicks,” Tengnueng analyzed. “So, for this fight, I’ve been focusing on practicing my timing and footwork to get in and out. I believe his hands aren’t as heavy, but he’s got the speed advantage.”

The assessment reveals strategic confidence born from 103 career victories and the hard-earned wisdom that comes from surviving elite competition for over a decade. Tengnueng understands that timing beats speed, experience conquers youth, and perfect records mean nothing when pressure arrives.

His recent spectacular finish of Germain Kpoghomou provided the momentum needed to secure this headlining opportunity. The second-round highlight-reel destruction showcased the devastating power that has kept him unbeaten since 2018, proving that his finishing ability remains intact despite advancing age.

Now he plans to use that same to solve the Bakhtin puzzle while making a definitive statement about his readiness.

“I’m ready to use my experience to go against his youth and speed,” he explained. “But, I can’t rush things. I’ll watch his game plan first and then adjust in the ring. From there, one or two clean hits might be all it takes to end the fight.”

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