Chorfah Tor.Sangtiennoi is ready to get back in the win column when he returns to Lumpinee Stadium at ONE Friday Fights 3 on Feb. 3.
The Thai striking star fell in his ONE Championship debut against Tagir Khalilov, but has examined his performance to better prepare himself for the main event clash in Bangkok. Chorfah believes the global platform rattled him and this time he will be better prepared for the spotlight against Petsukumvit Boi Bangna.
“In my fight with Tagir, I think I was a bit flustered because it was my first fight in ONE Championship. Plus, I was too focused on a great performance. That is why I failed easily,” Chorfah told ONE.
“I tried to kick Tagir early in the game. But when I got close to him, I was punched. When I rewatch my fight video, I agree that I got up [from the knockdown] too early. Another reason was I still didn’t fully understand the rules. After this match, I had so much regret that I can’t explain it.”
Learning from defeat is the hallmark of a true martial artist. Everything is a learning opportunity. In a stacked flyweight division, constantly seeking improvement is the only way to move forward. At ONE Friday Fights 3, Chorfah hopes to showcase his improved striking and make a case to be considered among the elite.
“That fight taught me that only strong fighters can survive in ONE Championship – especially in the flyweight division, which is stacked with elite Thai and foreign fighters – so I must develop in every aspect to survive here,” said the flyweight.
In preparing for his battle against Petsukumvit, Chorfah has studied his past bouts. He has gleaned from the video that his fellow countryman is an aggressive striker who pushes the pace from bell to bell. But he is ready to meet that pressure head-on.
“Petchsukhumvit’s style is to walk forward and keep throwing heavy punches and kicks. After I watched his fight videos, I discovered that his strengths are his fists, aggression, and endurance. But I believe that I can surpass him in the trading game,” said Chorfah.
With an aggressive opponent, Chorfah is expecting to put on a show. But the show is not only for the fans, Chorfah wants to also show the ONE brass he is ready to contend in the talent-rich division. ONE Friday Fights 3 is his chance to make his name known.
“I’ve prepared my fists, elbows, and other weapons for him in this fight. He can’t get through me easily,” said Chorfah.
“This time, I’m going to get noticed in ONE Championship.”
ONE Friday Fights 3 airs live and free on watch.onefc.com, ONE’s YouTube channel, and ONE’s Facebook page. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. ET.