A lucrative six-figure agreement made vindication even more satisfying, a lesson Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri experienced directly.
The 23-year-old striking prodigy from Thailand connected with a powerful right high kick against Alexey Balyko, resulting in an instant halt to their featherweight Muay Thai rematch at 2:06 of the opening round during ONE Friday Fights 137 on December 19, held within Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. This memorable triumph enhanced his professional standing to 126 wins and 36 losses, pushed his consecutive victories to nine, and removed the sole defeat from his ONE Championship history.
This definitive conclusion affirmed countless hours devoted to mastering that precise sequence of moves. His regimen at PK Saenchai Muaythaigym, training alongside Thailand’s premier athletes, yielded instant rewards at the critical juncture.
Balyko was immediately rendered unconscious. During the broadcast, analyst Mitch Chilson conveyed that ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong had presented Yod-IQ with a highly sought-after six-figure deal to join the primary competitive roster.
“The kick to the neck, I practiced it relentlessly with Ajarn Chanwit, Sia Khaek, and [Tawanchai] [PK Saenchai] daily. From dawn till dusk, we drilled this move until it was second nature. Although I couldn’t predict when the perfect opportunity to strike would arise, we prepared diligently. When the actual opportunity presented itself, it flowed effortlessly. I hoped silently that he would not recover, as I was determined to end the bout,” he stated.
“The instant they confirmed my contract, I let out a shout because, as I mentioned, initially I didn’t permit myself to envision it. I hadn’t anticipated such a surprise from the executive. I am entirely prepared. I have been poised to grasp this chance for an extended period, and I must express gratitude to all supporters who played a crucial role in advocating for me until I secured this agreement.”
Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri sets sights on bantamweight global championship
With his position on ONE Championship’s international roster now confirmed, Yod-IQ fixates on the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship, presently in the possession of the Algerian-Thai phenomenon Nabil Anane. His practice sessions alongside featherweight monarch Tawanchai have offered priceless understanding into the demands of achieving World Championship status.
The 23-year-old combatant delineated precise conditions for pursuing his aspiration. He expressed a desire to face only international competitors, eschewing any Thai adversaries. His supreme objective continues to be securing a championship at the 145-pound weight class.
Having navigated 12 demanding contests in ONE Friday Fights and prevailed in 11 of them, Yod-IQ now adopts a patient approach. A deliberate progression towards seizing Muay Thai’s paramount honor holds greater significance than accelerating the journey. Nevertheless, two aspirational matchups are already foremost in his thoughts for the near future.
“At this juncture, I intend to concentrate on each individual bout and consistently refine my abilities, as within this prominent organization, only exceptionally talented combatants compete. The adversaries I am particularly observing include past rivals such as [Abdulla Dayakaev] and [Jonathan Haggerty],” he remarked.
