With a Bangkok crowd behind her, Thai fighter Fairtex believes this is just another step in her journey as a martial arts pioneer, while French Algerian Meksen will seek to confirm her legendary kickboxing status in the groundbreaking bout.
For Fairtex, it’s a fight that lasted nearly a year after she told ONE Chairwoman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong of her willingness to fight mixed rules after first meeting Demetrius Johnson and Rodtang in the new format .
That was in March of last year, and now it’s time to write this new piece of history yourself.
“The day I fought Angela Lee was the same day Rodtang fought Demetrious. Chatri [Sityodtong, ONE Chairman and CEO], came to speak to me and I told him that I would be willing to participate in such a special fight. What I asked for came true. This is a new challenge for me and will push me to my limits.
“It will be a great opportunity to write a new page in my history book and create my own legacy.”
Doing so in Thailand, at Bangkok’s Impact Arena – is even more special for the former ONE Super Series atomicweight kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion and current World Grand Prix Champion – but brings with it its own unique pressure itself.
Alternating two rounds of Muay Thai and two rounds of MMA, Fairtex believes she has the upper hand. The former MMA champion will be a firm favorite when the fight goes down, but with kickboxing and muay thai titles to her name, her stand-up reputation shouldn’t be underestimated – even against the super-talented Meksen.
“It’s a big challenge for me to see if I can bring her down or subdue her. Additionally, this event will be held in Thailand,” said Fairtex. “I feel really pressured but also very happy at the same time. I’m happy because I will fight in front of my family, teammates and Thai fans. On the other hand, it weighs on my shoulders because I have to fight against a very strong opponent.
“But I feel like that pressure is positive for me because it absolutely makes me win.”
Meksen, on the other hand, expects a short night shift.
“My goal is to get them 100 percent done,” she said. It doesn’t matter in which round, but in a first round [finish] would be good. So my goal is to finish them off in the first round. [Fans can expect] a quick fight.”
She’s also fanned the pre-fight flames by questioning Fairtex’s career credentials – suggesting they don’t measure up to their own accomplishments. With a strong reputation prior to his arrival in ONE, Meksen has now backed it up with three straight wins and is not about to lose that record.
“”Before [Stamp] I’m sorry to say this, but she was nothing. She had no title, no fame, and when she joined ONE, ONE built her, built her career.
“It’s not the same for me. I got everyone out [who was in] in my own way. I didn’t choose any opponents, nothing. So we’ll see if she’s the bigger star.”
This is a very special fight on a very special night – and one not to be missed.
ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon v Allazov takes place on Saturday 14th January at 4:00am GST at Impact Arena in Bangkok. This is a night not to be missed, so mark your calendars, download the ONE Super App and go to watch.onefc.com now!
