Panicos Yusuf Gets a Fresh Start in the ONE Super Series
After a victorious debut in Manila, Panicos Yusuf is back on the road, ready to keep the streak rolling. The British‑based kickboxer is gearing up for his next showdown at ONE: HEART OF THE LION in Singapore on Friday, 9 November. He’s going to face the Thai sensation Muangthai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, a four‑time world champion known for his brutal elbows.
First Taste of ONE: A Hard‑Hit Moment
Yusuf’s first fight in the ONE Super Series came against Han Zi Hao. He won, but the fight was far from a walk‑in shop. “I felt a little nervous before I stepped to the ring, but that jitters faded once the bell rang,” he recalls.
Han was a solid competitor with a knack for knockouts, but Yusuf’s experience in the West against European brawlers had never gotten him rattled. “He was a fine boxer, but I’ve seen many fighters before with different styles. I wasn’t scared – I just needed to time my left‑body kick every time he reached for a jab,” he explained.
The “Bambi Dance on Ice” Moment
During the third round, Han landed a hard right, and Yusuf went into a bit of a spin. “I felt my body just bounce like jelly. I had to stay calm and keep moving,” Yusuf says. He remembers his corner’s advice to “stay back” after already clinching the win.
He survived the late‑round scare and rode his corner’s guidance to keep the victory on track. The win put his record at 37‑6.
Looking Ahead
Han has since kept winning, making Yusuf’s first win all the more impressive. The next step in Yusuf’s career is an adrenaline‑filled match with a 24‑year‑old, multiple‑world‑titleholder Muangthai, famously nicknamed the “Elbow Zombie.”
Yusuf is cautious about Muangthai’s lethal elbows. “I’ll have to watch out for that weapon. He moves forward aggressively, and the fight is only three minutes long, but with those MMA gloves we’re both wearing, our game plans might differ.”
Reflections and Future Plans
Yusuf respects Muangthai’s formidable skill set and says a win would cement his standing as a top competitor in the ONE Super Series. “I’m 33 now, so I’m not going to bide my time. If I can take on the best and do well, that’s an achievement in itself.”
“The real fights are coming,” he says. “I’ll fight whoever they send my way. Depend on them, I will give it my all.”
