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Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi couldn’t have asked for a better debut as a member of ONE Championship‘s global roster. On June 6, the 23-year-old delivered a true Knockout of the Year candidate, flatlining #5-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Nakrob Fairtex in just 52 seconds. It was an emphatic end to ONE Fight Night 32, sending Jaosuayai into the spotlight.

Jaosuayai Talks Quick Knockout Win Last Friday

Jaosuayai had an impressive nine-fight run at ONE Friday Fights to earn his six-figure contract. The rising star even surprised himself with the explosive finish that shocked fans around the world. The knockout came after Jaosuayai scored the first knockdown of the contest in less than 30 seconds, only to find the fight-finishing left head kick moments later.

“It was totally unexpected, and I’m very happy about it. I didn’t think that I would get the knockout that quick,” Jaosuayai told ONE.

Despite the shocking outcome, he revealed the KO was a result of careful study in which he and his team identified a critical weakness in Nakrob’s defense. The Sor Dechapan product had done his homework and capitalized on the opening when it presented itself. He explained his tactical approach that led to the spectacular finish.

“I’ve studied him from his previous fights, and normally when he walks in, his right guard falls, so it’s a bit low. I thought that would be an opening that I could use. So, when he came in like that, and I saw the opening, I led with my punches, and then I connected with a high kick onto his neck,” Jaosuayai detailed.

Jaosuayai On a Roll in ONE Championship

The Thai athlete now boasts an 8-2 record in ONE after extending his win streak to five. By defeating Nakrob, Jaosuayai inches closer to title contention and the official ONE athlete rankings. He’s immensely gratified to have put on such a jaw-dropping performance that elevated him to the next level of his career.

“For 16 years, I’ve been on this journey, and I’ve been fighting, and I’ve been training really hard. I am proud of myself. I’m so thankful that I did not give up. Yeah, I feel like this is such a great [U.S. primetime] debut at ONE Fight Night. So I’m very proud to be where I am right now,” the Thai star stated.

Could a Fight vs. Rodtang Come Next?

As the flyweight seat remains vacant, Jaosuayai is open to competing against any of the elite. One name at the top of the list is Rodtang Jitmuangnon. With momentum spurring him along, he feels he is up to the task should he get the call after a fantastic showing that puts him right in the thick of the title chase.

“I never turn down my opponents. So if the chance comes, I will definitely catch it. So if ONE Championship sees that I am fit to fight with Rodtang, I will take that,” Jaosuayai said.

This article first appeared on MMA Sucka and was syndicated with permission.

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