Nakrob Fairtex Puengluang Baanramba has established himself as one of the most electrifying contenders in the Muay Thai flyweight division. This 26-year-old fighter, currently ranked #4 in his weight class, is set to face Thai superstar Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi on June 6 during U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 32: Rodrigues vs. Cohen. The event will take place at the iconic ONE Championship venue, Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
Before stepping into the ring at this prestigious event, Nakrob shared insights about his journey, which transformed him from a reluctant child to a professional athlete competing on a global stage. His initial interest in Muay Thai was minimal, despite being part of a family with a rich history of fighters. Nakrob reminisced about his early days:
“As a kid, I wasn’t into Muay Thai at all, even with relatives who were boxers.”
His first experience in the sport was unexpected. While attending a local fair, he stepped in as a last-minute fighter, which is common in Thailand where children often compete in full-contact bouts. Though Nakrob had no formal training and lost the match, he earned about $4.50, which sparked his venture into professional fighting. He stated:
“I started when I was 6. I went with my dad to watch some matches at a local fair. They needed a fighter, so I jumped in without any real skill.”
Despite that rough introduction, Nakrob committed to training seriously and began competing in local Muay Thai events. As he honed his abilities, his talent garnered attention from a respected gym in Bangkok. He recalls:
“I continued practicing and fighting until I had few opponents left. Then, Sasiprapa Gym invited me to compete in the Pun Suea boxing competition. This was my first step into the capital at around 15 years old, marking the beginning of my reputation as 'Kaensuan Sasiprapa Gym.'”
This move to the capital was a turning point for Nakrob. He trained with elite fighters and faced stronger opponents, shaping him into a formidable competitor. Financial rewards from his successes led him to view Muay Thai as a viable career option:
“When I started fighting in Bangkok and earning decent money, I realized, ‘Okay, this is my career now.’”
However, Nakrob’s journey faced a significant setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted sporting events across Thailand and much of Asia. With no fights and income, he contemplated leaving Muay Thai:
“During the pandemic, I didn’t compete for almost a year. I had to get a job with the electricity company just to survive. It was hard; I had never done a ‘real’ job before and struggled with it.”
This difficult period tested Nakrob’s determination. Unwilling to quit, he remained resolute. As opportunities started to re-emerge post-pandemic, Nakrob learned that Fairtex was seeking new fighters. With uncertainty and courage, he decided to join the renowned training center, changing his fight name to 'Nakrob Fairtex.'
At the Fairtex Training Center, Nakrob trained alongside top athletes like Stamp Fairtex and Saemapetch Fairtex, revitalizing his career. His efforts paid off when he earned a spot on ONE Championship’s weekly event series, ONE Friday Fights:
“Competing in this event made me extremely happy. I’m committed to giving my best because I believe this promotion can change lives, and it has.”
Since joining ONE Championship in January 2023, Nakrob has achieved an impressive record of 12 wins and 2 losses. His career-defining moment came after a stunning first-round knockout of Tagir Khalilov, leading to a six-figure contract and placement on ONE’s main roster.
Nakrob expressed his emotions upon receiving the ONE contract, stating:
“When the announcement was made, I almost cried. My dreams as a country boy became reality. I have come a long way, but my journey doesn't end here. I must keep pushing forward.”
With his determination and skill, Nakrob Fairtex is poised to make an even greater impact in the world of Muay Thai.
