By:  | January 26, 2024 12:17 pm

Two more Muay Thai fights have been added to ONE Fight Night 19. The event is set for Lumpinee Stadium on February 17th and will feature a rematch that has possibly been ordered to clear up some controversy.

The ending to the first fight between Saemapetch Fairtex and Mohamed Younes Rabah stirred up a lot of debate. The Algerian appeared to secure a first round finish courtesy of an illegal knee.

Saemapetch made a fast start to that fight, which took place at ONE Fight Night 17 in December. He dropped Rabah with a left hook just 90 seconds into the opening round at Lumpinee Stadium.

Controversial ending

Seconds later it was Saemapetch who found himself on the canvass after a straight right hand from the Algerian. The Thai rallied and landed a couple of hard left hands of his own before Rabah started to pile on the pressure.

He trapped Saemapetch in the corner and started to unload with knees and punches. Rabah scored his second knockdown but followed up with a knee to the head of his downed opponent.

Saemapetch was clearly in no state to continue and the referee called it off as he stumbled around the ring. Had the knee landed as the Thai fighter was falling it would have been perfectly legal, but it appeared to connect when Rabah was already downed.

It is the type of split second call that is very difficult for the referee to make in real time. Replays suggested that the final strike was not a legal blow, which might explain why the ONE Championship matchmakers have decided to order an immediate rematch.

 

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All American

Also added to the card is an all American featherweight fight. Luke Lessei came up short against Jo Nattawut at ONE Fight Night 17 but put on a very impressive display.

He has been matched with compatriot Eddie Abasolo. The former boxer is coming off a decision loss to Sittichai Sitsongpeenong at ONE Friday Fights 22.

Bantamweight title

As previously announced the fight card at Lumpinee Stadium will be headlined by a bantamweight Muay Thai bout between champion Jonathan Haggerty and challenger Felipe Lobo. The Englishman also holds the kickboxing title and is on a six fight winning streak.

The event will take place on Saturday morning (local time) and be broadcast live in North America by Prime Video.

ONE Fight Night 19, Bangkok, February 17th
Muay Thai: Jonathan Haggerty (c) vs. Felipe Lobo (For bantamweight title)
Muay Thai: Saemapetch Fairtex vs. Mohamed Younes Rabah (Bantamweight)
Muay Thai: Luke Lessei vs. Eddie Abasolo (Featherweight)