Former Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongchai Chanaidonmueang has been one of the most reliable performers in ONE Friday Fights history — but reliability is no longer enough.

With back-to-back wins restoring his momentum, the Thai southpaw steps into the main event of ONE Friday Fights 148 at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on March 27 against Iranian knockout artist Mehrdad “Black Wolf” Khanzadeh with a clear objective: a finish, a contract, and a statement.

Back in form and sharper than ever

Kongchai Chanaidonmueang has rediscovered his rhythm. The former Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion rebuilt his confidence with consecutive victories over former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Walter Goncalves and Lethwei Champion Thway Lin Htet, regaining the momentum that once made him one of the most feared names in the weekly series.

Still, Kongchai is not satisfied with just winning. The Tor Sangtiennoi representative had clear opportunities to finish Thway Lin Htet and knows it.

What sets this fight apart is his preparation. The 23-year-old took minimal time off, returned quickly to camp, and now feels stronger and sharper than ever.

"It's a shame I couldn't close the show. There were two or three clear openings where he was visibly rocked, especially in the third round where he was hurting bad, but I just couldn't put him away," Kongchai said.
"I think this time will be much better because I've stayed active. I only took one week off after the last one and got straight back into camp. Going into the ring this time, I feel sharper than before."

Scouting Khanzadeh: pressure and power

Mehrdad “Black Wolf” Khanzadeh is no stranger to big moments. The 24-year-old Iranian made a statement at ONE Friday Fights 125, rallying from a knockdown to defeat Kritpet PK Saenchai by split decision — the same opponent Kongchai knocked out in just 75 seconds in his promotional debut.

That shared opponent has provided Kongchai with valuable insight, helping him shape a focused game plan.

Kongchai understands Khanzadeh’s forward pressure and heavy hands are key threats, and he has sharpened his boxing to match that intensity. Still, his strategy remains unchanged: constant pressure and no space for his opponent.

"Mehrdad is in great form. He just beat Kritpet, who's a former opponent of mine, and he looked really sharp in that fight. His hands are dangerous, so I've been training hard to stay alert and keep my guard up," Kongchai said.
"This is my first time facing an Iranian fighter, but I expect him to be like most Western-style strikers: great footwork and heavy hands. My plan is to push forward like always. If I back up, I'm just giving him space to land. I can't leave any openings for him to exploit."

Motivation from within the gym

Every fighter needs motivation, and Kongchai has found his in teammate Suriyanlek Por Yenying. Watching his gym partner consistently earn performance bonuses has fueled his ambition, creating a bond that pushes both fighters to improve.

Suriyanlek’s discipline, consistency, and ability to earn bonuses — even in defeat — have made him a role model within the Tor Sangtiennoi gym. For Kongchai, that example has become a clear blueprint for success.

"He told me to train hard, fight hard, and go get that bonus money. He even said once his leg heals, he'll come back to the gym to help me out and even drop by the hotel to see me," Kongchai said.
"He's a total idol for the younger guys in the gym because of his discipline. Even when he doesn't win, he often gets the bonus."

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