Algerian striker Mohamed Younes Rabah believes his upcoming battle with Shadow Singha Mawynn will catapult him into the featherweight Muay Thai elite.
The highly anticipated co-main event will take place at ONE Fight Night 33: Rodrigues vs. Persson on Prime Video, which airs live in U.S. primetime from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, July 11.
After suffering his first career loss to former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Saemapetch Fairtex in February 2024, Rabah regrouped, moved up a weight class, and bounced back with a dramatic unanimous decision victory over American star Eddie Abasolo nine months later.
Now, with some momentum on his side, the 27-year-old has a chance to crack the featherweight Muay Thai division’s top-five rankings when he meets #3 contender Shadow, a dangerous muay femur who can control fights with his signature right body kick and devastating punches and elbows.
Rabah said:
“Shadow got to third place in the rankings by beating Sitthichai [Sitsongpeenong]. So, I think if I beat him, I’ll claim a place in the rankings.”
Rabah has studied his Thai opponent meticulously and believes there are a few holes in Shadow’s distance-controlling style. Despite his towering frame, the 6-foot-2 Algerian prefers to get in his opponents’ faces and mix it up in the striking exchanges, creating a fascinating stylistic clash with his rival’s technical approach.
“The Eagle” has also spotted weaknesses in Shadow’s defense that he plans to capitalize on, particularly when the Thai fighter commits to his power shots and aggressive entries into the clinch. Rabah thrives in the chaos of an all-out war, and the 25-year-old Singha Mawynn representative’s tendency to close the distance could play directly into the Algerian’s wheelhouse.
Rabah offered:
“He is strong but not smart enough. I can see a lot of openings in his defense, especially when he attacks. Also, he doesn’t have enough speed and footwork. This is his weakness, and he will pay for it.”
Rabah Credits Coach For ONE Championship Success
While Mohamed Younes Rabah is laser-focused on his upcoming battle with Shadow Singha Mawynn, the Algerian hasn’t forgotten about the man who helped make his ONE Championship dreams a reality.
Rabah’s relationship with his trainer, former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Mehdi Zatout, has been instrumental in his career, transforming from a simple coach-athlete dynamic into something much deeper.
The featherweight Muay Thai phenom explained:
“My relationship with Mehdi is great. I’ve known him since 2022. When I first came to his gym, he said, ‘You are a good fighter.’ I told him my dream, and he said, ‘You have everything to become a ONE Championship fighter.'”
Diamond Heart 
(@mehdizatout)The bond between the two has grown stronger with each passing fight, with Zatout serving as a mentor, coach, and brotherly figure to the ambitious striker.
For Rabah, who carries the hopes of Algeria as the nation’s premier ONE Championship representative, having Zatout’s guidance has been invaluable as he prepares for his biggest opportunity yet.
“The Eagle” added:
“Mehdi is not just a coach for me. He is like a big brother, and he’s helped me a lot. He is one of the people I fight for. I really want to give back to him and make him proud.”
