Singapore: ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Capitan Petchyindee Academy wants to continue his hot run in ONE Championship with another sublime performance.
He will make the first defence of his title against Mehdi 'Diamond Heart' Zatout at ONE: Revolution, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium tomorrow.
No one has come close to finding a gap in Capitan's arsenal, and the Petchyindee Academy standout is certain that will remain the same when he faces Zatout.
"I think it's going to be a knockout. I just know it," said Thailand's Capitan.
"I'm much younger, powerful, and better than him. He [Zatout] will be a great opponent, but I'm confident I can get that knockout again."
Zatout is a former WBC Muay Thai world champion who has shared the stage with some of the sport's all-time greats. Though he started as a boxer, the French-Algerian striker excels in kickboxing, boasting a 77-39-1 career record.
Because of this, Capitan will not underestimate and is expecting a close fight.
"Mehdi may not be in the top-five rankings in the bantamweight division, but he has shown around the world what his greatest strengths are," he said.
"He is a very experienced fighter who has great punches, accurate striking, and a great level of concentration. I know it's going to be a tough fight."
A win against 'Diamond Heart' would be the perfect way to end his 2021, setting up a fresh challenge next year -- perhaps a battle against Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion.
But Capitan maintains he is laser focused on the task at hand, and not looking past his next opponent. "I have no plans to challenge Nong-O as of yet. Right now, the only thing in my mind is my next fight and how I can continue defending my world championship belt in the future," he said.
He said he has to beat a couple of fine fighters before taking on Nong-O.
"It feels great to be back in action again, and I want to defend this belt for all my fans around the world. I just want to go on to the stage and put on a show!" Capitan said.
The programme will be shown live on Thai Rath TV from 9.30pm, and via AIS Play and YouTube ONE Championship from 7.30pm.