‘He’s Crazy, I’m Calculated’ – Stephen Irvine Plans To Counter Rambong’s Wild Style With Precise Attacks At ONE Friday Fights 128
The Scottish fighter headlines this Friday's martial arts spectacle in Bangkok, Thailand.
By Kriel Ibarrola
Oct 8, 2025, 12:49 UTC
Stephen “El Matador” Irvine‘s quest for a life-changing six-figure contract to join ONE Championship’s main roster continues at ONE Friday Fights 128.
That pursuit puts him on a collision course with Rambong Sor Therapat, a relentless Thai pressure fighter who has bulldozed through tough opposition. Their 130-pound Muay Thai clash tops Friday’s card in Bangkok, Thailand, broadcasting live in Asian primetime on October 10.
Irvine has been marvelous during his 6-1 run at ONE Friday Fights, with his lone setback a close majority decision to Singdomthong Nokjeanladkrabang at ONE Friday Fights 38.
The Scottish striker has been unstoppable since. He extended his winning streak to four with a commanding unanimous decision over Sornsueknoi FA Group at ONE Friday Fights 100 this past March.
Now, his next opponent poses an entirely different challenge. Rambong, who compiled seven straight victories before suffering a knockout loss to Suriyanlek Por Yenying, has consistently overwhelmed opponents with suffocating pressure.
But Irvine is unfazed. He knows that eagerness can be a double-edged sword.
The Scotsman studied Rambong’s brutal knockout loss to Suriyanlek and noted crucial pointers. When his opponent commits, he leaves himself exposed to devastating counters.
The Deachkalek Muay Thai Academy affiliate explained:
“Rambong is a crazy fighter. I know he’s going to come to fight. He’s going to be very aggressive, but he can be reckless. And when he is reckless, that is when I will start my exchanges.
“His boxing is the most dangerous. But it also leaves him very exposed, and that’s when I will capitalize.”
Irvine thrives in chaos, staying calm and composed when pressure breaks most fighters. It’s something he sharpens daily alongside coach JP Gallacher and teammate Nico “King of The North” Carrillo, the #4-ranked featherweight Muay Thai contender.
That poise allows him to punish opponents who rush in carelessly — and he plans to make Rambong pay dearly for his aggression:
“I am just technically much better than him. I’m faster, I’m smarter. He’s crazy, I’m calculated. And that is going to be the difference maker in this fight.
“It’s going to be his downfall. He’s going to walk into something. I’m going to be too fast, too agile, and ready to expose his weaknesses. I am good at catching people on the way in. I’m going to catch him cold.”
Irvine knows the $100,000 contract to join ONE Championship’s main roster is within reach. Having to go through a dangerous opponent like Rambong to get it only heightens his hunger.
The 25-year-old striker added:
“I believe it’s very much around the corner. If I can go out and show another really dominant performance — hopefully get the KO and get the bonus — the contract would be the cherry on top.
“Rambong, I hope you’re ready. I look forward to a great fight. But I’m sorry, I’m going to have to knock you out.”
(@sunchaitv)Irvine Details His Brotherhood With Carrillo
Nico Carrillo is a constant in Stephen Irvine’s corner. They’re brothers — not by blood, but through shared sacrifice and ambition.
Carrillo’s ONE Championship journey has been spectacular. He exploded with four straight bantamweight knockouts, including former World Champion Nong-O Hama and Muangthai PK Saenchai. After his interim title loss to Nabil Anane, he moved to featherweight and demolished Thai legend Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.
His success proves a Scottish striker can thrive on the global stage.
Irvine shared:
“I have trained with Nico since we were 15 years old. Training with him is an inspiration. He is that step ahead of me; he is doing very well, big fights. I am on my own journey, but seeing him get there lets me know that it’s very possible and it’s very close as well.”
Carrillo pushes Irvine to his absolute limits, refining the technical skills and mental toughness needed at the highest level. That daily work breeds unwavering confidence.
Irvine concluded:
“He’s always there. He’s always got his input, he’s always keeping on top of me, and we keep on top of each other. We push each other when we are training, so to have him there is a blessing.
“I am 100 percent confident that I can be up there with him. Hopefully be the most famous fighter to ever come out of Scotland. That’s the dream.”
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