Youth and Hunger Meet Experience and Wisdom

Myanmar’s teenage sensation “The Phenom” Tun Min Aung will enter the biggest fight of his young career on Friday, October 17, when he faces seasoned Thai veteran Tengnueng Fairtex in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 129.

The 19-year-old plans to set aside his trademark aggression and adopt a calmer, more strategic approach designed to neutralize his opponent’s explosive weapons — all while competing for another bonus that will help support his family and community back home in Myanmar.

Tun Min Aung steps into this 165-pound Muay Thai clash boasting an impressive record of 45-2-7, built on relentless pressure, ferocious offense, and a killer instinct honed through years of training in the traditional Lethwei discipline. Since childhood, he has been perfecting a violent yet calculated striking style alongside his family.

Across the ring, Tengnueng Fairtex, 33, brings an extraordinary 103-15-4 career record — a testament to nearly two decades of elite combat experience. The THAI FIGHT Champion has fought all over the world, accumulating a wealth of tactical knowledge and composure inside the ropes.

While the 14-year age gap and experience difference might intimidate most teenagers, “The Phenom” refuses to be fazed. “Tengnueng has a lot more experience than me, but I’m staying relaxed and focused on my overall game,” said Tun Min Aung, confident and composed ahead of the bout.

A Tactical Evolution for the Teen Striker

Known for his relentless forward pressure, Tun Min Aung has made a name for himself by mentally breaking opponents before finishing them physically. His second-round TKO victory over Chatpet Lampang Sports School at ONE Friday Fights 110 in May perfectly showcased his suffocating offense and relentless combinations.

However, the young fighter understands that charging recklessly at Tengnueng Fairtex would be a mistake. Having spent countless hours studying the Thai veteran’s technique — particularly his stunning comeback knockout of Germain Kpoghomou in May — Tun Min Aung has adjusted his strategy.

“I plan to start with a more relaxed style. During the breaks, I’ll listen carefully to my corner. If my brothers tell me to be aggressive in the second or third round, I’ll switch to that aggressive style,” he explained.

The Myanmar striker has also focused on countering Tengnueng’s most dangerous weapon — his devastating left body kick that has stopped countless opponents throughout his storied career. “He’s very good with his low kicks,” Tun Min Aung admitted. “In training, I’ve been working on techniques to avoid them because I know how powerful they are. It’s really dangerous.”

Fighting for Family, Building a Future

Beyond fame and victory, Tun Min Aung carries a deeper motivation into the Circle — the chance to change his family’s future through his success in ONE Championship. His two performance bonuses have already helped improve lives in his hometown in Myanmar.

After earning his second bonus from his knockout over Chatpet, the teenager used the money to invest in his family’s security. “I used the bonus money to support my parents and also bought some land in my village,” he shared.

If he manages another highlight-reel finish against Tengnueng Fairtex and earns a third bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, Tun Min Aung already knows where it will go. “My plan is to use it to support my family, my brother, and myself,” said the 19-year-old, whose fighting spirit continues to inspire hope far beyond the ring.