Luke Lessei has one goal against Eddie Abasolo: “Make him suffer”

Luke Lessei has found a meaningful reason to prevail over Eddie Abasolo in their upcoming clash this Friday, February 16.

Both men face each other in a featherweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Fight Night 19 on Prime Video. The event airs live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Lessei and Abasolo have already established themselves on ONE Championship’s main roster, each leaving a lasting impression in their most recent assignments.

This past December, Lessei engaged in an epic battle with current #3-ranked contender “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut. He pushed him to the limit in what fans hailed as a Fight of the Year candidate in 2023.

Meanwhile, Abasolo stood his ground against #2-ranked contender Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong eight months ago.

Lessei recognizes the parallels between himself and Abasolo. The proud Iowa native understands that this bout is not just about victory but also about bragging rights.

“Two Americans trying to become the number one American, both coming off of battles against Thai fighters who are ranked. I mean, it’s kind of like this is like America’s best,” he said.

“You really don’t know what could happen in this fight.”

Now, as they share the ring on Friday, “The Chef” will put everything on the line in search of his first ONE victory.

“I’m not sure what [Abasolo is] thinking, but I know how bad I want to win, and I know how badly I want to change the momentum,” he said.

Luke Lessei feels technically superior to Eddie Abasolo

At ONE Fight Night 19 on Prime Video, Luke Lessei aims to showcase the true depth of his technical prowess.

The 27-year-old believes he has the right opponent in front of him just to demonstrate that.

Squaring off with a “Silky Smooth” operator like Abasolo, Lessei expects a showdown between high-IQ technicians.

“I think it’ll be a chess match. I think it’ll be a chess match between the two of us,” he said.

Confident in what he brings to the table, Lessei foresees a decisive win over Abasolo.

“Right now the mindset going into it, the camp I’m having, I think I’m going to get Eddie out of there before three rounds,” he said.

“I’ll stop his smoothness and hit him with some combinations that are going to make him suffer.”