Thom Credits Tough Losses For Making Him A Better Fighter, Ready For ONE Friday Fights 169 Main Event

The Scottish standout believes facing world-class opposition has made him a better fighter as he prepares to headline another major night in Bangkok.

Don’t miss ONE Friday Fights 169 this Friday at 9:30 a.m. ET, live on beIN SPORTS.

Gregor Thom has been thrown into the deep end since arriving in ONE Championship, and rather than shy away from elite competition, the Scottish standout is using every tough lesson to sharpen himself ahead of his next test. This Friday, September 4, Thom headlines ONE Friday Fights 169 against Petmuangsri Torfunfarm in a flyweight Muay Thai showdown at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium. A victory would undoubtedly move him closer to his goal of securing the life-changing US$100,000 contract and a coveted spot on ONE Championship’s global roster.

Learning From The Highest Level Of Competition

Thom found early success after joining the promotion, but has since suffered two consecutive decision losses against more experienced opponents, a run that speaks less about his own shortcomings and more about the enormous quality of competition inside ONE Championship.

But rather than allowing those setbacks to discourage him, the 26-year-old has embraced them as part of his development.

“Every person I’m fighting just now is world-class, do you know what I mean? So you can’t write anyone off out there,” Thom said. “But that gives me confidence, and it also makes me the fighter that I am today.”

A Quick Return Against An In-Form Opponent

Just six weeks after his last fight, Thom returns to headline the show against Petmuangsri, a fighter who owns an impressive 61-19 career record and enters the contest riding a two-fight winning streak.

The Scottish striker has clearly done his homework on his opponent’s technical and patient style and acknowledges that he may need to take a slightly more methodical approach this time.

“He’s a solid technical fighter. He’s good. He stands on the back foot a lot, so I need to be a bit smarter with my shots this time. I need to keep the pressure on, but without walking into his shots,” Thom explained. “I think he’s good with his weapons. He’s got good kicks, good high kicks. I’ve been watching him a lot. So yeah, I feel good for this fight.”

A Patient Game Plan Built For The Knockout

Thom’s approach for Friday is based on controlled aggression rather than reckless pressure. He wants to maintain a high pace without getting drawn into the clinch, staying just outside his opponent’s range so he can move in and out freely without walking into counters.

Early on, he does not plan to fight at maximum intensity, instead using the opening minute or two as a feeling-out process to gauge how Petmuangsri reacts before gradually increasing his output.

If he executes that strategy patiently and strikes at the right moment, Thom believes he can secure the knockout and the 28th victory of his career.