Panrit sees redemption against Nakrob at ONE Friday Fights 143: “My goal is a knockout”

Panrit Lukjaomaesaiwaree carries the weight of back-to-back defeats in Friday’s promotion – and he sees it as the fight that will define his ONE Championship future. The Superbon Training Camp representative faces Nakrob Fairtex in bantamweight Muay Thai action A Friday Fights 143 on February 20 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 29-year-old brings 74 career wins to the ring, but his recent ONE Championship form tells a grittier story. After scoring four straight wins in 2024, making him a real threat in the division, Panrit dropped his last two outings. After each setback, he has gone back to the drawing board – adjusting the strategy, identifying mistakes and tightening his game – but the margin for error on Friday night is small.

“I have two consecutive defeats again in the promotion, but I just have to keep developing,” said Panrit. “I have to hurry up and fix my mistakes to get better. I’m not the type to give up easily. I’m constantly pushing myself to get back to the top form I had when I won four fights in a row. Last year was a mix of ups and downs for me. After each fight I went back to adjust my game, plan my strategy and try to improve my skills. I always take those mistakes and try to fix them.”

Panrit relies on speed and Superbon’s guidance against Nakrob

Panrit Lukjaomaesaiwaree knows exactly who he is facing on Friday. Nakrob Fairtex is a powerful puncher who has built his reputation on forward pressure and heavy hands. Panrit isn’t going to try to match him shot for shot; he’s going to beat him. Training under ONE world featherweight kickboxing champion Superbon has given him a clear tactical view in the build-up to the fight, with the emphasis firmly on movement, rhythm and picking his spots rather than engaging in the type of firefight Nakrob thrives in.

A third straight defeat would mean new territory for Panrit in ONE Championship – territory he has no intention of visiting. His spot on the weekly series and the trajectory of his career within the world’s largest combat sports organization hinge on what he produces in the ring on Thursday night. He does not shy away from that reality. He uses it as fuel.

“For this fight, Superbon trained me extra hard on my kicks and punches. He told me to find the right rhythm to move in and out and not take unnecessary risks in trades since I am the smaller fighter,” Panrit said. “Nakrob is known for his toughness. I may not be able to match him in terms of raw power, but when it comes to speed, I am confident I can beat him. My goal is a knockout. I want that win and the bonus.”