Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex – The “Hero” Makes a Vivid Entrance into the ONE Arena
After a short break from the ring, the legendary Thai fighter Yodsanklai “The Hero” IWE Fairtex swung back into the spotlight at ONE Championship and stole the show by picking up a unanimous decision over Chris Ngimbi. A big‑name matchup, a field‑packed Singapore Indoor Stadium, and a finish that had the crowd buzzing.
Setting the Stage: One of the Greats Gets a Shot
Yodsanklai had been on a brief vacation, but this return was no light‑hearted cameo. At “UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS,” he faced a Muay Thai legend—LION FIGHT’s double‑won Middleweight World Champion. The stakes? Take the win and secure a path toward a title battle.
The Fight Unfolds
- Opening round: Ngimbi launches a low kick, pushing Yodsanklai into a flurry of action. The veteran’s southpaw swing delivers a thunderous left body kick that rattles Ngimbi’s arm.
- Second round: Yodsanklai pounces back with reliable punches and a set of crushing body kicks. Meanwhile, Ngimbi responds with classic overhand rights and a signature jumping knee. A brief stand‑up check occurs after a possible eye poke, but the fight resumes with rapid exchanges of knees and punches.
- Third round: With the clock tightening, Ngimbi unleashes a tidal wave of inside‑boxing combinations, hard right hands, and the presumption that he’d break through before the bell rings. Yodsanklai, meanwhile, absorbs the barrage and keeps his composure, counterpunching with jab‑cross pairs and relentless body kicks. Both fighters land toe‑to‑toe blows right up until the final bell.
The audience loved every minute of that nine‑minute non‑stop melee, reaching a crescendo of applause as the final bell rang.
Decision Time: Heroes Triumph
The judges handed Yodsanklai a unanimous verdict (9‑8‑8, 9‑8‑8, 9‑8‑8). The Thai warrior’s 199th win is now a stepping stone toward a SUPER SERIES title shot.
What It Means for the Fighters
Ngimbi’s record now stands at 49‑21. Though he didn’t get the win, he showed he can keep top players afloat, and his reputation remains intact.
In short: The Hero proved himself a force to be reckoned with in ONE, proving that even a brief break can’t stop a champ. The stage is set for a bigger fight soon—stay tuned for the next chapter.
