‘He’s Never Fought A Relentless Brawler Like Me’ – Rambong Ready To Shock Irvine At ONE Friday Fights 128
The knockout artist explains why he can break Stephen Irvine in the main event this Friday, October 10.
By Chris Mohan
Oct 8, 2025, 04:55 UTC
Rambong Sor Therapat will return with vengeance on his mind when he faces Scottish slugger Stephen “El Matador” Irvine at ONE Friday Fights 128.
Their 130-pound Muay Thai showdown headlines this week’s Asian primetime spectacle, which broadcasts live from Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, October 10.
That evening, the Thai striker has the opportunity to erase the painful memory of his heartbreaking loss from three months ago and prove that setbacks only fuel his fire.
Rambong was riding high on a seven-bout winning streak, which included three dazzling finishes and four riveting barnburners. But his momentum was stopped in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 115 this past July.
Thai compatriot Suriyanlek Por Yenying instantly knocked him out with a massive overhand right in the second round, and that defeat left him searching for answers within himself. Now, three months removed from that episode, the 28-year-old believes he has grown leaps and bounds.
Rambong said:
“After that loss, my confidence slightly decreased. But it also made me realize that failure can be a driving force in life that pushes you to come back and fight again.
“For this fight, I’ve come back and worked incredibly hard to develop myself. I’m training much harder than before.”
Of course, Rambong has left no stone unturned for this crucial battle.
Aside from improving his fiery repertoire, he has done a complete analysis of Irvine’s strengths and recognizes the weapons that make the Scotsman absolutely dangerous when he trades inside the pocket.
However, he’s also figured out a critical flaw. While “El Matador” can throw punches with tremendous force, Rambong doesn’t think he has the chin to withstand the Thai’s firepower.
The Thailand National Sports University Chiang Mai representative said:
“For me, Stephen Irvine is a difficult opponent. He’s beaten several elite fighters already. He is a boxer with very sharp hands, especially his left hook, and he’s also bigger and taller than me.
“However, his weakness is that he’s a guy who can also be hurt by heavy weapons, especially to the face and the body.”
Rambong Outlines His Key To Victory
Rambong Sor Therapat knows it’ll be difficult to halt Stephen Irvine’s meteoric rise at ONE Friday Fights 128. After all, the Scottish warrior is on a four-bout winning streak and has been near-flawless since his promotional debut in June 2023.
Irvine, who trains with former ONE World Title challenger Nico Carrillo at Deachkalek Muay Thai Academy, has systematically dismantled elite Thai opposition and continues proving that he belongs among the division’s best.
The Thai expects Irvine’s confidence to be at an all-time high heading into their main event showdown, and that is why he feels mental fortitude will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
Rambong, who is on the hunt for his 82nd career win, said:
“For this fight, I think it’s going to come down to the gut. You can’t just rely on skill. Whoever is mentally tougher should win.”
And Rambong strongly believes that he is the man who is mentally tougher. The Thai’s overwhelming pressure has broken countless opponents who couldn’t match his pace or handle his suffocating forward march.
Irvine’s resume suggests he’s thrived against technicians, but Rambong represents something entirely different – a high-volume striker who refuses to give his opponents any space to operate.
He offered:
“He’s mainly fought technical fighters. He’s never fought a relentless brawler like me before. I think he might be at a loss if I pressure him hard. But I have to be careful, too. His weapons are no joke.
“Coming back this time, my intention is to build a new winning streak. I’m going to defeat every foreign fighter that ONE puts in front of me.”
Related Event
Everything else you need to know about ONE Friday Fights 128: Irvine vs. Rambong.
