The 22-year-old Thai striker headlines ONE Championship’s first live event of the year, ONE Friday Fights 138, on January 16. There, he will go head-to-head with fellow countryman Pompet PongSuphan PK at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium, carrying the confidence that comes from avenging his only promotional loss and believing his youth will overcome veteran experience. After spending 2025 mastering the art of mid-fight adjustments through high-stakes rematches, Decho is convinced that his conditioning, explosiveness, and technique will be the x-factor in their flyweight Muay Thai showdown.

Learning Through Fire

Decho Por Borirak spent his first year in ONE Championship proving that he can beat top opposition and use setbacks to elevate his skill set to new heights. The Singha Mawynn Gym representative compiled a 3-1 promotional record that tells a story of growth through adversity and redemption through preparation. He opened 2025 by narrowly edging Isannuea ChotBangsaen via split decision in April, but then he erased all doubt about their rivalry by dominating the rematch two months later for a unanimous decision victory.

September brought his toughest test when he faced the compact powerhouse, Suriyanlek Por Yenying, at ONE Friday Fights 124. Despite being the taller young man, Decho couldn't solve Suriyanlek's relentless pressure and ate two knockdowns in the final stanza that sealed a unanimous decision defeat. The loss provided painful but valuable lessons about what he needed to fix in his game.

One month later at ONE Friday Fights 131, Decho implemented those corrections flawlessly. He managed distance better, timed his strikes more precisely, and never gave Suriyanlek the openings that had cost him in their first meeting. The judges rewarded his more disciplined performance with a clear unanimous decision that closed 2025 on the perfect note – avenging his only promotional blemish and overcoming adversity.

"I'd give myself a seven out of ten for my last fight. The result turned out okay, but it wasn't my best work. I managed to get the win because we had a solid game plan," Decho said. "My trainer and I looked at why I lost to him before, we made the right adjustments, and it played out exactly how we practiced."

New Year, New Test

Decho now tackles a completely different puzzle in Pompet PongSuphan PK, the 27-year-old PK Saenchai Muaythaigym veteran who brings 109 career victories and dangerous momentum after stringing together back-to-back wins. Pompet avenged a loss to Yodlekpet Or Atchariya in September and then made a resounding statement at Gregor Thom’s expense in November, dropping the Scottish fighter three times in the second round to force a TKO stoppage.

The veteran's boxing represents the clearest threat. Pompet has spent years developing devastating power in his hands, and his recent breakthrough against foreign strikers has unlocked a new level of confidence. When he commits to combinations, opponents crumble – Thom learned that lesson the hard way.

That said, Decho has identified weaknesses he plans to exploit. He's worked extensively on timing counters that will catch Pompet coming forward, and he believes taking initiative early will disrupt the veteran's rhythm before he can establish his preferred pace. The 22-year-old also plans to utilize his two-inch height advantage and youth to create problems throughout three rounds.

"If there's an opening to trade, I'm game. But I'll be playing it smart and following the plan. We've worked on my left and right strikes to catch him as he comes in, or even beat him to the punch. If I let him dictate the pace and walk me down, he's very dangerous. I need to be the one taking the initiative and pressing him at times," Decho said.

Eyes On A Life-Changing Contract

Decho's biggest edge might not reveal itself until the later rounds. The young contender feels Pompet's extensive mileage – over 160 professional fights throughout his career – will manifest as diminishing power and slower reactions when fatigue settles in. Meanwhile, Decho has trained specifically to maintain a relentless pace over the course of three rounds, believing he’ll remain strong if his rival gasses out.

If Decho's assessment proves accurate, rounds two and three could provide the perfect stage for a highlight-reel knockout that would dramatically strengthen his contract case. ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong rewards fighters who deliver spectacular finishes, and stopping an experienced veteran makes statements that decision victories simply can't match.

Beyond this immediate challenge, Decho has mapped out clear goals for 2026. He's committed to the flyweight division for the long-term and believes he can compete with anyone in the 135-pound bracket once he earns that global roster spot.

"If I get past this fight, I'm ready for anyone in this division," Decho said. "My main goal for 2026 is to secure that ONE Championship contract. I'm planning on staying at this weight class for the long haul."

WATCH beIN SPORTS XTRA LIVE FOR FREE ON YOUTUBE