Yodkaikaew predicts KO finish against Japan’s ‘Sweeper’ in ONE championship
Former Max Stadium muay Thai champion Yodkaikaew “Y2K” Fairtex is aiming for another conquest in the mixed martial arts ranks when he returns to action this Friday night.
The 29-year-old Fairtex fighter from Pattaya is looking to show fans just how much he has improved since his last outing.
Yodkaikaew will face Japanese veteran Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada at ONE: Collision Course, broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Y2K is confident he can overcome an experienced and dangerous opponent – and in an explosive manner.
“Wada is a tough fighter. I studied his last fight and I know he’s got a good ground game. But I’m coming in with all my effort and skill in this fight. I’m confident I can get the win,” said Yodkaikaew.
“I think I can knock him out. And at the same time, he can knock me out. We can’t predict, because anything can happen. All I can say is that I am going to give it my all inside the Circle.”
Yodkaikaew hones his craft at the renowned Fairtex Training Centre, where he works with talents such as former two-sport ONE world champion Stamp Fairtex, rising star Wondergirl Fairtex, and muay Thai phenom Saemapetch Fairtex.
Daily training is building Yodkaikaew’s confidence in his striking and grappling skills. But the 29-year-old says he still feels butterflies when he prepares to make the walk to the ONE Circle.
“I’m confident in myself, but I’m also nervous and excited at the same time. Before I step into the Circle, it’s a game of nerves. I think I’ve improved a lot since my last fight in Bangkok. I’ve trained very hard this camp, and I’m confident in my skills,” said Yodkaikaew.
“I’ve worked extensively on my BJJ [Brazilian jiu-jitsu], and of course, I train in muay Thai every day. My skills are coming together nicely, so I’m excited to showcase my improvements.”
Friday’s stacked card is headlined by the showdown between ONE light heavyweight kickboxing world champion Roman Kryklia of Ukraine and challenger Andrei “Mister KO” Stoica from Romania. Also on the card is a bout between Thailand’s reigning ONE bantamweight muay Thai world champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao and his countryman, ONE Bantamweight muay Thai Tournament Champion Rodlek PK Saenchai Muaythaigym.
The action begins on AIS Play at 7.30pm Thai time. Thairath TV32 will air the event on a same-day delay at 10.40pm.
