Kongklai Sor Sommai has rediscovered himself – and the bantamweight Muay Thai division is on notice. The hard-hitting Thai southpaw headlines ONE Friday Fights 152 on Friday, May 1, where he takes on battle-tested Brazilian veteran Julio Lobo at Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium. A fifth straight win could be the performance that changes his life forever.

A Man Reborn

After navigating a difficult stretch in his career, Kongklai has found a new gear – and he isn't letting up.

The 27-year-old Thai knockout artist has reeled off four straight victories, including three inside ONE Championship, capped by a slick knockout of Mohammad "Prince of Persia" Habibpour at ONE Friday Fights 144 this past February.

A life-changing six-figure contract with ONE Championship is within reach, and with the crowd firmly in his corner, he feels unstoppable.

"The main factor behind my recent form is definitely my conditioning. My body is finally back where it needs to be. Training at PK Saenchai Muaythaigym for the past year has been a game-changer. I've gotten stronger, my defense is tighter, and my strikes have a lot more power now," Kongklai said.

"I'm so happy to see the fans getting behind me again after this winning streak. It honestly feels like a rebirth. Having that kind of support gives me the drive to keep pushing forward and showing an even better version of myself in the ring.”

Respecting The Wolf

Standing across from him is no easy task.

Julio Lobo is one of the most relentless pressure fighters on the ONE Friday Fights circuit – a suffocating clinch specialist with iron conditioning, punishing body shots, and the kind of forward aggression that wears opponents down round by round.

The 31-year-old Brazilian returned from a lengthy health-related absence last November and looked better than ever, dismantling Worapon Sor Dechapan with a clear-cut unanimous decision.

But Kongklai has done his homework. He watched Lobo's return fight alongside his PK Saenchai Muaythaigym training partner "Left Meteorite" Ratchasiesan Laochokcharoen – the man formerly known as Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai, who has beaten Lobo – and has a clear blueprint in mind.

"My game plan is somewhat similar to what Ratchasiesan did. Back then, Julio walked right into a counter left hook and got dropped for a count," Kongklai said.

"I’ll be looking for the right moments to strike rather than just rushing in. That would be too risky. As for my knees, I’ll use them if the situation calls for it, but since he’s so tall, landing knees might be a bit tricky.”

One Fight At A Time

Another victory could punch Kongklai's ticket to a six-figure ONE Championship contract and a coveted global roster spot. It's a prize he's aware of, but not one he's losing sleep over.

The Thai veteran's focus is razor-sharp, and his philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: handle business first, let the rewards follow.

"Right now, the main goal is just to win every time I step out there," Kongklai said. "I'm taking it one fight at a time, giving it my all. I believe that if I keep putting on good shows, everything else will eventually fall into place.”

With his thunderous straight left primed and his confidence at an all-time high, Kongklai arrives at ONE Friday Fights 152 as a man on a mission. Lobo better be ready because the southpaw is coming to make a statement.

Catch Kongklai in action at One Friday Fights 152 on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT (selected territories only). Click here to subscribe now!