Julio Lobo is back, and he's here to finish the job. The hard-hitting Brazilian veteran headlines ONE Friday Fights 152 on Friday, May 1, where he squares off against thunderous Thai southpaw Kongklai Sor Sommai at Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium. And this time, he isn't coming for a decision. He is determined to author a knockout performance.

Back with a vengeance after long layoff

After nearly two years away from ONE Championship due to a serious health scare, Julio Lobo is back — and he means business.

The 31-year-old Brazilian had been forced to step away from the world's largest martial arts organization to address severe weight-cutting issues that had taken a dangerous toll on his body, leaving him unable to compete and uncertain about his future in the sport.

But after taking the time to heal, rebuild, and rediscover his love for the game, Lobo returned to Lumpinee Stadium last November and made it count, as he dismantled Worapon Sor Dechapan with relentless body shots, sharp kicks, and a suffocating clinch game to walk away with a unanimous decision.

At ONE Friday Fights 152 this coming May 1, he picks up right where he left off.

"In all the fights I've won, it's always been like that – all or nothing, 'kill or be killed,'" Lobo said.
"I don't want people to say my fights are boring or that I just did tip-tap striking. I come for everything.”

Kongklai presents a dangerous challenge

There won’t be anything boring about his next fight, especially since his opponent brings the tools to create serious problems.

Standing across from him is Kongklai, one of the most dangerous southpaws competing in the bantamweight Muay Thai division on the ONE Friday Fights circuit.

The 27-year-old Thai knockout artist owns an 83-22-5 professional record and is a 2020 Sports Authority of Thailand Fighter of the Year recipient. His thunderous straight left has been a key weapon throughout his career, and he enters this bout riding a three-fight winning streak while pushing for a life-changing six-figure contract.

Lobo understands exactly what Kongklai brings — powerful hands and sharp elbows capable of ending a fight instantly. But he remains confident in his approach.

"My plan is to take him into the clinch because I believe I'm the better clincher. I want to use the same pressure I've used before – aggressive hands and heavy clinching," Lobo said.
"You know my style – I always like to pressure my opponents. In the first half of the first round, I might take a second to find my movement, but the plan is always to walk forward."

Lobo targets knockout and makes his statement

Lobo isn't just looking for a win — he's aiming to make a statement.

The Brazilian has studied Kongklai closely and believes he has identified a weakness that could prove decisive as the fight unfolds.

"I don't think his chin is very strong. That's what I'm looking at," Lobo said.
"I think [I'll wear him down] in the second or third round. The second and third are always my strongest rounds, so I'm looking for the knockout there.”

With Lobo’s relentless pressure and Kongklai’s one-punch power, ONE Friday Fights 152 has all the ingredients for a high-intensity battle. Something has to give — and Lobo is determined to make sure it isn’t him.

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