After nearly a year away from competition, Soe Lin Oo returns to Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, January 23, ready to show off some new tricks in his hard-hitting repertoire. The 34-year-old known as "Man of Steel" headlines ONE Friday Fights 139 against rising Thai contender Worapon Lukjaoporongtom, and the contracted fighter promises to bring more than just his trademark relentless pressure – he's bringing an expanded striking arsenal designed to keep the division's elite guessing.

Myanmar Destroyer Ready To Show New Dimensions

Soe Lin Oo has emerged as one of the most exciting athletes in the combat sports industry. Fans have fallen in love with the seemingly indestructible Myanmar star's fighting style, as he constantly moves forward, engages in firefights, and keeps throwing punches until his opponents fall down. That relentless approach earned him his ONE Championship contract, delivered spectacular knockouts, and turned him into a fan favorite who guarantees entertainment every time he steps into the ring.

But lately, it seems like the world's best strikers have figured out the "Man of Steel." The National Lethwei Champion has lost his last three matches – all wars with now-reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane, living legend Seksan Or Kwanmuang, and Russian contender Dmitrii Kovtun. Each defeat revealed the same pattern: elite opponents neutralizing his boxing-heavy attack and exploiting the predictability that comes with relying too heavily on a one-weapon system.

Now, nearly a year removed from competition, Soe Lin Oo is back in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 139, ready to showcase some vast improvements. The Myanmar destroyer spent his time away from the spotlight retooling his game, adding new dimensions to his attack, and preparing to show the bantamweight Muay Thai division that he has more to offer.

"I trained very hard for this fight," Soe Lin Oo said. "In my previous fights, I usually only used my punches, but for this fight, fans can expect me to use low kicks and body kicks. Not only punches, but kicks, too. So, I'm excited to show those adjustments.”

Clinch Battle Could Decide Main Event

Worapon Lukjaoporongtom brings serious weapons to this main event showdown. The 23-year-old Thai southpaw has built his ONE Friday Fights reputation around a devastating left body kick and elite clinch work that allows him to dominate at close range. Those tools make him dangerous against any opponent, but especially against pressure fighters who want to work in the pocket where Worapon thrives.

But Soe Lin Oo isn't worried about getting dragged into clinch exchanges. The Myanmar powerhouse has spent years competing in Lethwei, where clinch striking plays a massive role, and he welcomes the opportunity to test himself against Worapon's grappling skills. If anything, the "Man of Steel" seems excited about the prospect of a clinch war, viewing it as another opportunity to impose his will and break his opponent's spirit.

"Worapon is a good fighter. He is a young fighter, so his techniques are fast and agile. But I prepared very well for this fight because I need to compete with the young ones, so I've prepared a lot for this," Soe Lin Oo said. "I like to play in the clinch and Worapon likes to play in the clinch too, so [if the fight goes there], it will be fun.”

Pressure Remains The Foundation

Even though Soe Lin Oo is making significant adjustments to his striking arsenal, fans should expect his trademark style: relentless pressure in search of the knockout. The “Man of Steel” isn't abandoning what made him successful – he's simply adding more weapons to make that pressure even more devastating. Low kicks to slow Worapon down, body kicks to drain his gas tank, and sharper boxing combinations to finish the job.

Time is a factor in this main event, and Soe Lin Oo knows it. With only three rounds to work, there's no room for feeling out processes or slow starts. The Myanmar wrecking machine plans to immediately bring the fight to his rival, forcing Worapon to deal with his pressure from the opening bell and never giving the Thai southpaw a chance to settle into his rhythm.

"My plan is to start with pressure because for this fight, I can only play for three rounds, so I don't really have the time to give him a chance [to breathe]," Soe Lin Oo said. "So, my plan is to pressure from the beginning."

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