Chinese sensation Zhao Chongyang believes his experience under kickboxing rules will give him the edge needed to upset seven-time Muay Thai World Champion “The Angel Warrior” Panpayak Jitmuangnon in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 136 on December 12. Following a brilliant promotional debut in September, the 28-year-old Anhui native plans to use his superior boxing and relentless pace to break down the Thai legend at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium.

Kickboxing experience separates the two

Zhao Chongyang announced his arrival to ONE Championship when he knocked out Arman Moradi with a highlight-reel head kick in his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 124 this past September, but now he has a chance to make an even louder statement.

He will be standing toe-to-toe with seven-time Muay Thai World Champion "The Angel Warrior” Panpayak Jitmuangnon in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 136, but this time, the Thai icon is stepping into Zhao's world as they clash under flyweight kickboxing rules rather than Muay Thai.

While the Chinese rising star acknowledges his opponent's immense talent, he feels his advantage under the kickboxing rule set will separate the two fighters. Zhao has built his career inside the kickboxing ring, and that familiarity gives him supreme confidence heading into the biggest fight of his young career.

"Of course, Panpayak is very good at kickboxing. But I don't think he's used to kickboxing," Zhao said. "After all, I've been practicing kickboxing for a long time. I'm used to the rhythm of kickboxing. And since I'm very experienced in kickboxing, I think I can win the fight.”

Panpayak's weaknesses exposed

Zhao, an Enfusion Kickboxing Champion, acknowledges his Thai rival’s talent and respects the decorated career Panpayak has built. However, after studying the seven-time Muay Thai World Champion's recent performances, the Chinese striker has identified glaring weaknesses – some even "The Angel Warrior" previously acknowledged within himself.

Panpayak has experienced mixed results lately, struggling to find consistency after years of dominance in the Thai fight scene. His decision to move toward kickboxing represents a fresh start, but it also exposes him to opponents like Zhao who have mastered the nuances that separate kickboxing from Muay Thai.

The technical differences matter. Panpayak's game revolves around kicks – beautiful, precise weapons that have dismantled countless opponents under Muay Thai rules and led to 250 career wins. But Zhao sees opportunity in what the Thai legend doesn't do well.

"His kicks are good. His kicks are good at controlling the distance, and his high kicks are very good," Zhao said. "But I think his punches are average. He doesn't have much motivation.”

The Three Ps: pressure, pace, and punches

Zhao's game plan centers on eliminating Panpayak's greatest weapons by closing distance and forcing a boxing match. The Chinese striker believes his superior hand speed and punching volume will overwhelm the Thai veteran once they're inside the pocket, far away from kicking range where "The Angel Warrior" thrives.

The strategy requires walking down Panpayak, pressuring him backward, and refusing to let him establish the range control that makes his kicks so devastating. Zhao plans to set traps – drawing out kicks and countering with punches, or simply marching forward and forcing brutal exchanges at close quarters.

Tempo represents another weapon. Zhao intends to push a pace that Panpayak cannot match, breaking down the Thai legend's rhythm and defensive structure through relentless pressure. If the Chinese rising star executes this game plan, “The Angel Warrior” may find himself drowning in deep waters with nowhere to escape.

"I want to get close and use hands. Of course, I want to lure him in and use hands to counter. If I can't control him, I'll get close and use hands," Zhao said. "I'll also use a high pace to break Panpayak's rhythm and make him unable to defend."