Rambolek returns after illness with a refined game plan from Superbon Training Camp
Kovtun seeks to dethrone the Thai star and demand a title shot
Both fighters predict an early finish, raising fan expectations
Rambolek aims to break the recent Thai losing streak against Russians
Kovtun eyes a USD 50,000 performance bonus with a knockout win
Two hungry bantamweight Muay Thai contenders will collide in a pivotal clash that could shake up the division’s pecking order when #4-ranked Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon faces surging Russian dynamo Dmitrii “The Silent Assassin” Kovtun at ONE Fight Night 35 on Prime Video.
The highly anticipated showdown takes place on Friday, September 5, live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Both warriors are riding impressive winning streaks and view this bout as their ticket to bigger opportunities in ONE Championship’s stacked 145-pound division.
Thailand’s aggressive pressure fighter meets Russia’s calculated striker in a fascinating stylistic clash — and both men had much to say about their impending showdown.
Rambolek Ready To Expose Holes In Kovtun’s Game
Rambolek has had extra time to prepare for this encounter after being forced to withdraw from their originally scheduled bout at ONE Fight Night 32 due to illness. The Thai striker turned that setback into an advantage, moving to Superbon Training Camp while analyzing his opponent and crafting the perfect game plan.
While impressed by Kovtun’s skills on film, the 22-year-old knockout artist has spotted crucial weaknesses to exploit with his trademark pressure.
He said:
“My opponent, Dmitrii Kovtun, is a good fighter. He has a great boxing, and from the videos I’ve watched, he has a wide range of skills. I have to be careful with him.
“His most dangerous weapons are his punches and elbows. But I don’t think he’s invincible. I’ve noticed that he tends to slow down and run out of gas. I’ve watched almost all of his fights, and he seems to burn out at the end.”
Rambolek has rebounded from a two-fight slide after earning his life-changing six-figure contract, winning three straight. That run included a devastating second-round TKO of Parham Gheirati at ONE Fight Night 29, which reestablished him as a divisional force.
Now sitting comfortably in the top five, Rambolek knows the stakes. A victory puts him closer to a World Title shot, while a defeat could cost him his ranking to the determined Russian.
The first US$100,000 contract winner at ONE Friday Fights declared:
“I know he has beaten great fighters like Ferrari and Suablack, which is impressive. But I’m not worried. I’ve noticed that lately, many Thai fighters have been losing to Russians, but that’s not going to happen to me. I’ve prepared very well for this.
“Being in the top-five rankings is very important to me, and I won’t let anyone take my spot easily. My ultimate goal is to become a champion, and I will not be a stepping stone for anyone. I want to keep climbing.”
Kovtun Eyeing Bonus-Winning Performance To Cement Himself As A Legitimate Contender
Dmitrii Kovtun has faced elite competition since joining ONE and has passed the test with flying colors. His 3-1 promotional record includes statement victories over seasoned Thai veterans Ferrari Fairtex and Suablack Tor Pran49, as well as a dominant unanimous decision triumph over Myanmar’s Soe Lin Oo.
For Kovtun, a victory over a ranked star like Rambolek represents his biggest opportunity yet, one that could validate his World Title dreams and launch him into ONE World Title contention.
“The Silent Assassin” explained:
“Yes, he is #4 in the rankings, that is why I want to beat him, so that I can take his place. After beating Rambolek, I will definitely ask for a fight for the belt. Beating Rambolek will be a weighty argument to fight for the title.”
That being said, the 27-year-old calculated striker from Chelyabinsk isn’t content with grinding out a decision victory.
He’s targeting a spectacular finish that would not only secure his rankings breakthrough but also earn him one of ONE Championship’s lucrative $50,000 performance bonuses.
Kovtun declared:
“Rambolek works in a typical Thai fighting style. I have already encountered such fighters. And I will show his weaknesses in the fight. I will [be the aggressor], look for holes in the defense, and hit there. I will try to finish him off.”
“I will go for an early victory. I will look for it in the ring. I strive to do this in every fight, but it may not always work out. My dream is to get a bonus. If I feel like I can finish the fight early, I’ll take the risk.”
