ONE Championship

A US$100,000 contract is the prize on the table this Friday. For one Chinese flyweight, it is merely the opening move toward a world title.

Yuan Pengjie takes on former three-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in the flyweight kickboxing co-main event of The Inner Circle 32 on Friday, September 25. The contest airs live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, exclusively for members of The Inner Circle.

The 23-year-old holds a 40-4 professional record, and his ONE run already includes dominant wins over WMC World Champion Lamnamoonlek Torfunfarm and hard-hitting Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi. Kongthoranee represents a clear step up, having stood on the edge of World Title contention in ONE’s flyweight Muay Thai division before switching rule sets.

Yuan has answered the challenge by adding weight training, power work, and extra footwork to his camp. He respects what the Thai brings, but he trusts his hands to decide it.

“I feel my opponent has a strong body. He is very tough and strong, specifically highlighting the spinning back fist and low kicks as dangerous weapons I need to be careful of,” Yuan said.

“My strength is my punches. I feel I am capable of getting a knockout using my punches and that I am good at that.”

Yuan Pengjie targets Jonathan Di Bella next

Yuan has watched peers earn US$100,000 contracts to the main roster, and a statement win over Kongthoranee would thrust him into that conversation. Getting past a 29-year-old who has been through wars at the highest level is the price of admission.

The long-term target is undisputed ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella, the Italian-Canadian who tops Yuan’s wish list. The Sitsongpeenong product has made no secret of where he wants the contract to lead.

“My goal is to win the match beautifully and get the contract. I want to win the gold belt. Getting the contract is the first step toward that title,” Yuan said.

“If I win this fight, I want to fight Di Bella. Di Bella is at the top, so I want to challenge him next.”

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM