Thai veteran Suriyanlek Por Yenying claimed a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Decho Por Borirak this past September, but the victory left him unsatisfied. The 29-year-old returns to Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, October 31, where he will headline the card against his Thai compatriot. Suriyanlek is determined to leave no doubt about who the better fighter is, and a definitive finish in their flyweight Muay Thai rematch would not only settle the rivalry but potentially secure the life-changing US$100,000 contract with ONE Championship.

A son’s motivation fuels Suriyanlek

The first encounter between Suriyanlek Por Yenying and Decho Por Borirak delivered nine minutes of absolute chaos featuring three knockdowns and non-stop action that left the Bangkok crowd on its feet.

The battle-tested veteran struggled early against his rangy opponent's long guard and even longer jab, while Decho systematically punished the Tor Sangitennoi representative with low kicks. The second round saw Suriyanlek break through with hooks before Decho rallied with high kicks, setting up an unforgettable third and final stanza.

That opening performance concerned Suriyanlek far more than he let on. The 5-foot-3 striker found himself completely stifled by Decho's 5-foot-9 frame and superior reach advantage, whiffing on kicks and missing punches throughout the first two rounds. The veteran genuinely believed he was losing, unable to implement his strategy or find answers to his younger opponent's length.

Everything changed when his corner delivered a message that hit home. With his young son watching from ringside, Suriyanlek's cornerman reminded him what truly mattered in that moment.

"My trainer didn't actually change the game plan. He told me to stick to it, but to try harder. He just said, 'You have to fight! Your son is here to cheer for you. You have to give it your all!' He didn't adjust anything else," Suriyanlek recalled. "But those words alone completely fired me up. I decided, 'Whatever happens, happens. I'm going to go out there and pressure him.’ It was the same plan as the first two rounds, but in the final round, I went for an all-out pressure attack. I was thinking, 'I have to get a knockdown or a knockout.' I just needed to get close to him so I could land my weapons.”

What led to the rematch at ONE Friday Fights 131

That final-round explosion produced two knockdowns of Decho within the first minute, including a jaw-shattering right hook just five seconds into the stanza. But the 22-year-old refused to quit, eventually dropping Suriyanlek with an elbow that proved both fighters possessed championship heart. When the dust settled and judges awarded Suriyanlek the unanimous decision, he felt relief rather than satisfaction.

The aftermath revealed deep division among fans and observers, however. Many believed Suriyanlek clearly won through his knockdowns and third-round dominance, while others felt Decho's first two rounds and his own knockdown made the fight closer than the scorecards suggested. The Thai veteran recognized that controversial victories don't build legacies or secure contracts – only commanding performances accomplish those goals.

The rematch announcement thrilled Suriyanlek because it provides the opportunity to erase all doubt. Their first encounter delivered the kind of thriller that demanded a sequel, and the Tor Sangitennoi product welcomes the chance to prove his victory wasn't a fluke.

"When ONE booked the rematch, I immediately thought, 'This time, I need to win decisively. I have to knock him out so there's no doubt, and I don't have to sweat out a decision like the first time,'" Suriyanlek declared.

Key to victory in main event

Suriyanlek studied his 22-year-old opponent extensively before their first meeting, but actually fighting Decho last month revealed openings that couldn't be captured on film. The Singha Mawynn representative possesses incredible power across his entire arsenal – his knees are exceptional, his kicks carry fight-ending force, and his technical ability exceeded the veteran's expectations.

But experiencing Decho's strengths firsthand also exposed exploitable weaknesses. The rangy striker thrives when given space to operate, which allows him to pick opponents apart from distance. Conversely, sustained pressure that forces him into phone-booth exchanges neutralizes his greatest assets while draining his gas tank. Suriyanlek believes relentless forward pressure represents the key to victory.

The veteran expects Decho to employ a defensive shell early, using his tight guard and footwork to avoid the inevitable hurricane that he knows will come. But Suriyanlek doubts his younger opponent possesses the discipline to maintain that conservative approach throughout the fight – the competitive fire that makes Decho dangerous will likely compel him to stand and trade once again. That prediction fuels Suriyanlek's confidence heading into Halloween night.

"In this fight, I plan to try and stick to him again. If I can nullify his kicks and knees, the game should be mine," Suriyanlek said. "This time, I'm confident it won't go the distance. I have to get the knockout. If I don't knock him out, I know I'm going to get hurt. I think the fight has to end by the second round."