Streaking Apiwat Faces Surging Panpadej Former World Title Challengers Barboza And Zhang Meet At ONE Friday Fights 142

A doubleheader will happen this weekend of MMA, former World Title Challengers and new prospects will seek out their win

MMA battles coming up

ONE Championship kicks off another doubleheader weekend at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium this Friday, February 13. The fun begins with ONE Friday Fights 142, which is loaded with 14 battles across the MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing realms. Decorated veteran Apiwat Sor Somnuk puts his three-bout winning streak on the line against surging young gun Panpadej NF Looksuan in the main event, and former ONE World Title challengers “El Jefe” Ellis Badr Barboza and “Fighting Rooster” Zhang Peimian collide in the featured attraction. Plus, nearly two dozen athletes throw down for a chance to earn a six-figure contract and global roster spot!

Experience Meets Youth In Main Event

Apiwat Sor Somnuk has seen it all. The 33-year-old veteran carries 109 career victories into Friday's main event, including 31 knockouts that prove he's always looking to finish. Three straight wins have the seasoned striker riding momentum, and his ability to read opponents and time counters with surgical precision makes him an incredibly difficult puzzle to solve. Plus, his piercing elbows – both inside and outside the clinch – have carved up countless opponents throughout a career that spans over a decade, and his breakout moment may be just days away.

But Panpadej NF Looksuan represents the new generation pushing Thailand's veterans toward retirement. At just 24 years old, the NF Looksuan product owns a jaw-dropping 57-5 record and six-bout winning streak built on walking opponents down and imposing his will. When Panpadej gets inside, his elbows dice through defenses while smooth body kicks and crisp boxing keep opponents guessing. Youth, hunger, and momentum create a dangerous combination, which is why he rarely loses.

Both men have similar styles and love to engage in the clinch. This Friday, the world finds out who’s game is better, and if one gets the highlight-reel finish, then a six-figure contract and global roster spot could be waiting for him.

Scottish Striker Tests Thai Finisher

In the co-main event, Donking Yotharakmuaythai meets Gregor Thom in a flyweight Muay Thai tilt, and both men are desperate to get their backs off the wall. Because of that, they will leave nothing to chance and are expected to throw everything at one another, including the kitchen sink.

Donking has built his ONE Friday Fights reputation on spectacular finishes. The 25-year-old Thai carries a 79-18 record into the battle, and multiple knockouts on the weekly series prove he can end matches from anywhere. Whether boxing, kicking, or dominating in the clinch, Donking's well-rounded attack and suffocating pressure have overwhelmed numerous opponents. But now, with two straight losses – his only setbacks so far during his time at ONE Friday Fights – the pressure is on him to right the ship and return to winning ways.

The same thing can be said of Thom. The Scot brings his WMO Championship pedigree and a 26-6 record into the contest. Thom brings the pressure, and he is known to blend head shots and body strikes together, never wasting energy on low-percentage techniques. He also

operates behind massive low kicks, which are known to set up knees when he gets into the clinch, and opponents need to watch out for his methodical elbows, which land with efficiency.

Former ONE World Title Challengers Throw Down

In the featured attraction, British bad boy “El Jefe” Ellis Badr Barboza and Chinese sensation “Fighting Rooster” Zhang Peimian collide in a striker's dream matchup that pits technical precision against explosive power.

Both 25-year-old combatants have tested themselves at the sport's highest level, falling short in previous ONE World Title challenges but emerging as legitimate contenders in the strawweight ranks. This kickboxing clash represents a crucial opportunity for either fighter to re-establish themselves in the World Title conversation.

Barboza enters the ring armed with the polished skill set that carried him into a ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title shot against Prajanchai PongSuphan PK just a year ago. The British technician fearlessly moves forward with high volume and immense power, and with a third-round TKO over Shamil Adukhov last August, he brings momentum into the battle.

Standing across from him will be China's "Fighting Rooster," an ultra-fast and razor-sharp kickboxer whose as durable as they come. Zhang's trademark left hook has separated numerous opponents from consciousness, while his flying knee attacks arrive with shocking speed and ferocity. The Chinese slugger's willingness to exchange in the pocket creates a fascinating stylistic contrast against Barboza's more measured approach, setting the stage for an explosive showdown.