Saemapetch Fairtex promises to “clear up ambiguity” of controversial loss to Mohamed Younes Rabah

Saemapetch Fairtex can taste his desire for payback as he prepares for his second encounter with Mohamed Younes Rabah.

The bantamweight Muay Thai rematch takes place at ONE Fight Night 19 on Prime Video. It airs live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, February 16.

Saemapetch believes that his previous loss to Rabah in December was marred by circumstances beyond his control. But it ignited a fire within him to set things right in their upcoming clash.

“I asked ONE Championship for a rematch with Mohamed. And when they gave me the green light, I started training. I’ve been training for more than two months,” he said.

“I’m really excited because I want revenge for what he did to me in the last fight. That fight ended too soon.”

The first meeting had its share of controversy. After knocking down Saemapetch in the third round, Rabah delivered an extra knee to the head. It rendered the Thai striker unable to continue.

While Rabah claimed the victory by knockout, questions arose about the legality of the final blow.

The disputed ending left Saemapetch hungry for another chance to prove himself and erase the stain of that defeat.

“I was disappointed and upset that I was knocked down and got kneed in the face while I was down. And they still declared him the winner of the match. That’s why I want to rematch,” he said.

“At that time, I had to respect the referee’s decision. If he was sure I lost the match, I had to accept my defeat. Now, I want to end the controversy. Win or lose I will clear up this ambiguity for the fans.”

Saemapetch Fairtex faces must-win situation at ONE Fight Night 19

This do-over with Mohamed Younes Rabah holds immense significance for Saemapetch Fairtex, both personally and professionally.

The #4-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender’s motivation to avenge the controversial setback is compounded by his eagerness to remain among the division’s upper echelon.

“This rematch is very important to me. I want to prove to the fans that I’m still the same Saemapetch,” he said.

“Because I already know Rabah from the previous fight, I know how I will handle him. I’ve prepared many tricks to surprise him in the ring.”