The co-main event of ONE Fight Night 33: Rodrigues vs. Persson on Prime Video features a pivotal battle that could shake up the featherweight Muay Thai division, as #3-ranked contender Shadow Singha Mawynn takes on “The Eagle” Mohamed Younes Rabah.
This Friday, July 11, live in U.S. primetime, the Thai knockout artist will make his main roster debut against the 6-foot-2 Algerian destroyer in a high-stakes clash at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Shadow enters the contest with tremendous momentum, riding a five-bout winning streak and coming off a highlight-reel performance that earned him a six-figure contract with the promotion.
Meanwhile, Rabah is eager to build upon his successful featherweight Muay Thai debut from last November and leapfrog his rival in the divisional rankings.
Whoever gets this win on Friday night would certainly get closer to a shot at ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai‘s belt. That said, here are each fighter’s biggest keys to victory at ONE Fight Night 33.
#1 Shadow’s Right Kick
The Thai technician’s signature strike will be his primary weapon to control the fight and neutralize Rabah’s aggressive approach.
Shadow’s mastery of range and timing means he can land his body kick almost at will. His right kick is perfectly timed and lands from the ideal range, capable of moving even the biggest opponents. Even if it’s partially blocked, the strike scores points and inflicts damage that can open up opportunities to target the head later in the fight.
Against the towering Rabah, Shadow should use his right kick to establish distance and prevent the Algerian from closing the gap. The sustained body attack can slow down Rabah’s forward momentum while racking up crucial damage points that could prove decisive on the scorecards.
#2 Rabah’s Height And Reach
The Algerian’s massive physical advantages will be crucial in dictating the range and pace of this featherweight clash.
At 6-foot-2, Rabah is the tallest man in the division and enjoys a significant 4-inch height advantage over Shadow. His reach superiority allows him to land strikes from distances where his opponent cannot effectively counter. When he utilizes his physical gifts properly, “The Eagle” can stay on the outside with push kicks that disrupt his foe’s rhythm and keep him at bay.
Against the technically sound Shadow, Rabah must make full use of his dimensions from the opening bell. By staying on the outside and using his reach to control the distance, he can force Shadow into uncomfortable positions and prevent the Thai fighter from implementing his preferred game plan.
#3 Shadow’s Elbows
Shadow is counting on his devastating elbow strikes to make the difference in this high-stakes encounter.
The Thai’s timing with his elbows is exceptional, whether he’s landing them in the clinch or as counters from the outside. Shadow’s latest victory came via a perfectly timed counter elbow against Hassan Vahdanirad, and he scored a knockdown against Erik Hehir using the same technique. Shadow aggressively pursues the clinch even against taller opponents, as he demonstrated against 6-foot Jimmy Vienot.
Against Rabah, Shadow could capitalize on the Algerian’s tendency to leave openings in his defense when he comes forward to box. Then, when “The Eagle” commits to his aggressive combinations, the Thai can make him pay by timing his entry and landing fight-changing elbows that could end the battle early.
(@balonnn.k)#4 Rabah’s Aggressive Combinations
Rabah’s most dangerous weapon will be his ability to step forward and unleash heavy boxing combinations that can change the fight’s complexion in seconds.
“The Eagle” is most dangerous when he steps forward, tucks his chin, and throws punches in succession. His power means these flurries can dramatically shift momentum, and he often includes massive left hooks to the liver that can drop opponents. He’ll also step inside to attack with elbows, including his signature spinning elbows that have produced highlight-reel finishes.
Against Shadow, Rabah should try to overwhelm the Thai fighter with sustained pressure and boxing combinations. When the Singha Mawynn product commits to his kicks or gets caught in exchanges, the Algerian can capitalize by stepping forward with multi-strike combinations that could force a stoppage or score crucial knockdowns.
