Akram "La Pepite" Hamidi hasn't set foot in the ring in nearly a year, but the three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion is done sitting on the sidelines. Now, at ONE Friday Fights 164 on July 31, he’s ready to remind the strawweight Muay Thai division exactly why he was considered one of its most feared strikers before one of the sport’s most legendary figures derailed his momentum.

A Legend Delivered A Rare Setback

The last time ONE Championship fans saw Hamidi compete, he was locked in a pivotal battle with former multiple-time ONE World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in September 2024.

Sam-A is one of the most decorated Muay Thai practitioners on the planet, and on that fateful night, the living legend knocked out the French-Algerian striker. What’s more, it was the first time he had been finished since 2018.

Rather than rushing back into the ring, Hamidi chose to step away entirely, using the setback as a chance to reset himself and catch his breath.

"After the fight with Sam-A, I took the opportunity to take a long break. I lost, but that's not a problem because I got to share the ring with a legend – a champion of that level, which is a win-win situation," Hamidi said.

"During my break, I still did light training to maintain my physical condition. But mostly, I spent time with my family. Over the past 10 years, I've had to fight every two months, so it was really difficult to find time for my family, or even just to see them face to face.”

Back On Track And Eyeing A New Challenge

Hamidi's return to action came last November, when he rediscovered his killer instinct. The French-Algerian knocked out Cambodia's Kam Menghong with a knee to the body in the first round.

That victory put him firmly back on the winning path. It also set the stage for his ONE Friday Fights 164 battle against Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen, a Thai veteran with an eye-popping 127 career victories and a perfect 5-0 record inside ONE Championship.

Hamidi isn't looking to overthink his approach heading into Friday.

"I'm still going to focus on speed and pressure, the same as before. I'm going to open fast and throw my weapons clearly," the 27-year-old said. "My intention is to close this fight out as fast as possible. And yes, in this fight, my hands will still be my main weapon."

More Than Just A Win Is On The Line

For Hamidi, Friday's assignment carries weight beyond simply building a new winning streak.

It's an opportunity to erase the lingering memory of his last appearance and remind Lumpinee Stadium why he remains one of the division's most dangerous strikers.

Hamidi isn't ashamed of the setback, but he understands an even sharper performance is required this time around.

"I will try to impose myself as strongly as possible, and to try to end the fight," the French-Algerian star said. "I'm really going to rely on two things: the speed and the pressure. I want to go very fast, hit hard, and finish the fight as fast as possible."

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