Wuttikrai's Family Returns To Cheer Him On As He Headlines ONE Friday Fights 168

Wuttikrai Wor Chakrawut has been through a genuine rollercoaster on his path to the main event, but this Friday, August 28, he'll finally have something he hasn't had in years: his entire family in his corner. The Thai standout headlines ONE Friday Fights 168 against Mohammad "Prince of Persia" Habibpour in a bantamweight Muay Thai showdown. It broadcasts live from Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium, and both men are chasing the US$100,000 contract and global roster spot.

For Wuttikrai, that contract and roster spot would absolutely change his life.

Catch Wuttikrai Wor Chakrawut in action at ONE Friday Fights 168 on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT (selected territories only). Click here to subscribe now!

A Rocky Road Back To Form

Wuttikrai burst into ONE Championship with three consecutive knockout victories, each one quicker than the last, putting him on a fast track toward a life-changing contract and a spot on the global roster.

A pair of losses briefly derailed that momentum, but the Thai standout bounced back last month with a gritty decision win over Myanmar veteran Sonrak Fairtex, a result that did wonders for his confidence heading into Friday's main event.

"That win against Sonrak gave me confidence after losing two in a row," Wuttikrai said. "I only had a one-week break before I got this offer. Since then, I went right back into training. I'm prepared for this fight.”

A Dangerous Test With One Clear Opening

Standing across from him is Habibpour, a durable, powerful striker who brings real danger at range and has spent his career learning to overwhelm opponents with pressure and brute force.

Still, Wuttikrai has done his homework, and he believes there's one clear area where the Iranian's game leaves something to be desired: the clinch.

Rather than simply avoid that phase of the fight, the Thai plans to force his way into it, using it as the exact battleground where he expects to find success.

"For this camp, I've been preparing a game plan to maintain a good distance while figuring out how to close him down," Wuttikrai said. "Once we figure out the right game plan, I will find ways to get inside and put him into the clinch and use my knees and elbows to hurt him.”

Fighting In Front Of Family For The First Time In Years

Beyond the stakes inside the ring, the ONE Friday Fights 168 main event carries deep personal meaning for Wuttikrai.

Years of grueling training camps and constant travel have kept his loved ones away from ringside more often than not, but that changes this week.

For the first time since 2018, his entire family will be in attendance to watch him compete live, a reunion that has added extra fuel to his fire and could help him earn his 52nd career win.

“This is the first time in eight years that my whole family is going to be there supporting me in the ring," Wuttikrai said. "They're going to be watching me, so I'm very motivated for this fight. I have a lot of support this time."