Thway Lin Htet steps back into Lumpinee Stadium with something to prove this Friday, January 30. The Myanmar destroyer headlines ONE Friday Fights 140 against battle-tested Thai veteran Kongchai Chanaidonmueang, and after watching his momentum disappear in a loss to multi-time ONE World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao last September, the Lethwei Champion is hungry to remind everyone why he is one of the most promising and most dangerous strikers in the strawweight Muay Thai division.

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Rebuilding After Sam-A Setback

Thway Lin Htet had been rolling through opponents and even strung together a four-bout winning streak, but Thai buzzsaw Sam-A Gaiyanghadao snapped that string of momentum at ONE Friday Fights 126 last September. The Myanmar phenom dropped the living legend during the match, but Sam-A’s vast experience was too much for him to overcome. In the end, the living legend cruised to a unanimous decision.

That loss also moved Thway Lin Htet’s career record to 31-2 and pushed his dreams of securing the US$100,000 contract further out of reach. Since that crushing defeat, he has spent the past four months analyzing what went wrong, refining his aggressive style, and preparing to launch another run toward that life-changing deal.

Friday's main event provides the perfect platform to announce his return, and the 22-year-old plans to deliver the kind of exciting, aggressive performance that made him a fan favorite during his winning streak.

"I know I have to make a name for myself and prove my worth as a fighter," Thway Lin Htet said. "That's why I give it my all – to show the fans that I'm a true warrior. I definitely won't let the fans down.”

A Battle With The ONE Friday Fights Veteran

Standing across the ring will be one of the toughest tests available on the weekly series. Former Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongchai Chanaidonmueang carries a 76-16 career striking record into the contest and has competed at ONE Friday Fights more than any other athlete – 15 appearances since making his debut at ONE Friday Fights 3 in February 2023.

Kongchai's experience gives him advantages most fighters on the weekly series simply don't possess. He's seen every style, survived every situation, and knows how to adjust when game plans fall apart. That southpaw left body kick has crumpled opponents throughout his career, and his clinch work grinds down anyone who gets close. The Thai veteran represents exactly the kind of challenge that separates contenders from pretenders.

But Thway Lin Htet welcomes the opportunity to test himself against proven opposition. Beating a fighter of Kongchai's caliber would erase questions about the Sam-A loss and push the Myanmar destroyer closer to the life-changing contract he desires.

Pressure From The Opening Bell

Thway Lin Htet's Lethwei background gives him a unique advantage in Muay Thai competition. The Myanmar combat sport emphasizes relentless forward pressure and devastating finishing power – exactly the style that has produced three ONE Friday Fights knockouts. That aggressive approach, combined with explosive hands and a granite chin, creates constant danger for opponents trying to establish distance and rhythm.

The Myanmar warrior has studied Kongchai extensively, identifying weaknesses he believes his pressure can exploit. The Thai veteran needs time and space to work his technical game, setting up that left body kick and controlling range with his southpaw stance. Thway Lin Htet plans to deny him both from the opening bell.

The strategy is simple but effective: march forward, throw heavy leather, and overwhelm Kongchai before the 23-year-old Thai can settle into his rhythm. If the Myanmar destroyer can land clean early, that aggressive approach could produce another spectacular finish and launch him back into contract contention.

"My plan for the first round is to put on the pressure so he can't find his rhythm," Thway Lin Htet said. "From there, I'll look for the right opening and try to find a way to score a knockout."

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