Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen may not have peaked yet, and that should be a terrifying thought for the rest of the strawweight Muay Thai division. The Thai veteran will step into ONE Friday Fights 164 riding a tremendous amount of momentum and a life-changing contract sitting just one highlight-reel win away.

A Career Reaching Its Prime

At 33 years old, Watcharaphon is putting together the kind of run that suggests he's only getting better with time.

The Thai veteran carries a staggering 172 career victories into Friday's assignment, and he's gone a perfect five-for-five inside ONE Championship, four of those wins coming by knockout. He arrives off a three-round decision from this past March, sitting right on the doorstep of a life-changing contract to compete on the organization’s global roster.

"I'm sitting on a five-fight winning streak now, which I'm super proud of. I never expected to come this far. The biggest factor behind my form in ONE Friday Fights has to be my hands. I train my punches hard every single day," Watcharaphon said.

"I am on a great run, but I wouldn't call it my absolute peak just yet, because earlier in my career I used to have seven-fight winning streaks too. Right now, what I want to improve most is my physical conditioning. I need to take better care of my body, get stronger, and keep fighting for a long time.”

A Decorated Threat Stands In His Way

Standing across from him is Akram "La Pepite" Hamidi, a three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion who has shared the ring with some of the division's biggest names, including living legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PongSuphan PK.

Watcharaphon respects the danger his opponent presents, particularly his speed and unpredictable output, but he sees an opening that could define the entire fight.

"Akram is a scary opponent. His punches and kicks are dangerous, and he's super fast with his in-and-out movement. I need to stay focused and be ready for whatever he throws at me every second," Watcharaphon said.

“But being away for so long might cause him some fatigue. Early on, it'll probably be a feeling-out process to see what plan he brings to the table. But in my heart, I really want to get back to winning by knockout to get another bonus. I trust my punching power.”

A Contract Within Reach, But Not A Distraction

Beyond the perfect record, Friday's main event carries genuine life-changing stakes.

A statement win over a fighter of Hamidi's caliber would put Watcharaphon firmly in position to land a US$100,000 contract and coveted spot on ONE Championship's global roster. Still, the Thai veteran insists he isn't letting that possibility cloud his focus heading into ONE Friday Fights 164.

"I don't want to stress too much about getting the contract. I just want to focus on doing my job best right now. But if I do get a ONE contract, I'd be extremely honored and thrilled to fight on the global stage," Watcharaphon said.

"My main goal right now is to keep my undefeated streak going in the promotion and stay unbeaten for the rest of this year. I'm about 90 percent confident I can make it six wins in a row."

Catch Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen in action at ONE Friday Fights 164 on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT (selected territories only). Click here to subscribe now!