‘My Confidence Is At An All-Time High’ – Chartpayak Enters ONE Friday Fights 138 With Redefined Momentum
The Thai standout returns to face dangerous knockout artist Ayad Albadr this Friday, January 16 in Bangkok.
By Fachrul Sidiq
Jan 15, 2026, 16:43 UTC
When Chartpayak Saksatoon returns to the fabled Lumpinee Stadium at ONE Friday Fights 138 in Bangkok on Friday, January 16, he knows exactly what is at stake.
The 27-year-old will face Iraq’s Ayad Albadr in a strawweight Muay Thai co-main event, live in Asia primetime, and the Thai standout enters the first ONE Championship show of the year with renewed clarity.
A victory could move him closer once again to the coveted US$100,000 main roster contract in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
For a long stretch, Chartpayak looked like a star moving steadily toward an inevitable breakthrough. Seven consecutive wins inside the weekly spectacle placed him firmly in the running for the coveted six-figure contract.
Then came the fight that demanded intense reflection.
At ONE Friday Fights 114 in June 2025, Chartpayak succumbed to Lebanese phenom Ramadan “Scorpion” Ondash via second-round finish, in a frantic, back-and-forth battle that saw both men score knockdowns. Ondash would later earn the life-changing ONE contract himself.
The experience forced the Kiatpetch product to reassess how he handles pressure, emotion, and defensive responsibility when the stakes are highest:
“The fight against Ramadan was the most important one of my life. When I think back on it, yeah, I lost. But looking at it from another angle, that loss taught me so much. It gave me a massive lesson in emotional control and defensive awareness.
“That defeat really helped me grow and mature as a Muay Thai fighter.”
Months later, the shift became visible.
Returning at ONE Friday Fights 133, Chartpayak delivered a composed, disciplined performance against Uzbekistan’s Samandar Khasanov, earning a unanimous decision that reflected patience and clarity in his approach, rather than urgency.
Chartpayak added:
“After facing foreigners back-to-back, I’ve learned that you can’t let them take the lead. If you let them start the exchange, you’re at a disadvantage immediately.
“You have to use your technical superiority to beat them to the punch, press the action, and really commit to your strikes. After winning my last fight, I feel like I’ve finally figured out how to handle their style. My confidence is at an all-time high.”
Chartpayak Looks To Rebuild Momentum Against A Dangerous Finisher
That evolution will now be tested again, and immediately.
Standing across from Chartpayak Saksatoon at ONE Friday Fights 138 will be Ayad Albadr, a fighter riding incredible momentum of his own.
After suffering setbacks in his first two promotional appearances, the Iraqi striker rallied to string together three consecutive victories, with his latest two coming by first-round knockout.
Albadr’s recent run has been fueled not just by raw power, but by timing and polish — traits Chartpayak has studied closely.
The Thai standout said:
“I can’t underestimate Ayad Albadr at all. He’s not a one-dimensional brawler like some other foreign fighters. He’s well-rounded and very tricky. Look at his last fight against Petlampun. He completely outplayed him.
“He faked a body shot that made Petlampun drop his guard, then went upstairs with a head kick. I’ve prepared a specific plan to handle those tricks. The key is to stay composed and read his timing so I don’t get caught by his speed.”
Albadr’s rise has been swift.
The 24-year-old from Team Mehdi Zatout scored his first stoppage victory at ONE Friday Fights 123, knocking out Nuapet Tded99 with a massive first-round uppercut.
He followed that with another highlight-reel finish at ONE Friday Fights 129 last October, shutting the lights out on Petlampun Muadablampang with a devastating high kick, again in the first round.
Chartpayak respects the danger his opponent poses, but believes his recent experience against foreign talent has prepared him to control the tempo rather than chase ill-advised moments.
With that in mind, his intention is clear:
“I’m coming in with my full Muay Thai arsenal. I’ll be aggressive and look to strike first as planned, but I’m going to be much more clinical and tight with my defense.
“I’m confident that once he feels my power, he’s going to start fading. If I land a clean one, it’s going to be a knockdown or a KO for sure.”
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