Luke Lessei Returns with a Statement Win

Luke “The Chef” Lessei turned heads at ONE Fight Night 45, securing a unanimous decision victory over “The Eagle” Mohamed Younes Rabah in the featherweight Muay Thai main event. The bout took place on Friday, July 17, live from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium and aired in U.S. primetime.

The win marks a pivotal rebound for the Iowa native, who had suffered a TKO loss to Nico “King of the North” Carrillo just months earlier. That defeat had left questions about his standing among the division’s elite, but Lessei entered the Rabah fight with renewed purpose.

Why the Fight Mattered

Lessei’s striking has always blended surgical precision with explosive flair, yet consistency was often the missing ingredient. After the setback, his coach delivered a succinct adjustment that changed the fight’s direction.

“My coach started telling me to trust my boxing and double up my hands a little bit more. I started to find my range with the jab, and it just brought me more confidence.

“I realized that the long straight shots were going to win me the rest of that fight, so I was just trusting in my actual reach, trusting in my coach.”

The opening round leaned in Rabah’s favor, as the Algerian found his range quickly and landed clean, punishing combos. Sensing the shift, Lessei absorbed the corner’s guidance and began to dominate.

By the final stanza, Lessei’s control was unmistakable. A thunderous hook rocked Rabah, nearly forcing a stoppage. All three judges awarded the decision to Lessei, but he still sees room for greater impact.

“There was one shot in the third round — a big hook, and my coach tells me like it should have been an eight-count. I wish I had gotten that eight-count. I could have smelled blood and went for the kill, chasing the 50K bonus.

“But it is what it is. I’m happy with the shots that I landed. I can always improve. I can always do better, and I think I could push the pace even more.”

Remarkably, Lessei notes he has never lost back‑to‑back contests, keeping that streak alive after the Carrillo loss and his recent win.

Advertisement

Road Ahead: Gold, Revenge, and New Challenges

With the victory, Lessei re‑asserts his status as a top featherweight contender. Three names dominate his mind: a rematch with Nico Carrillo, a bout against Bampara Kouyate—who handed him a knockout earlier—and a potential showdown with Thai standout Shadow Mavinn.

His appetite for testing his mettle isn’t limited to Muay Thai; he has long expressed interest in returning to big‑glove kickboxing. “I love banging in whatever style it is for striking,” he said, adding that a face like Shadow’s is always on his radar, should the opportunity arise.

With reigning champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai sidelined by injury, the division is wide open. Lessei is focused on the 26‑pound gold, viewing every performance as a step toward that ultimate prize.

His mindset heading forward is clear: enjoy the current win, stay present, and keep reminding the community that he’s a top contender through solid showings.

“A chance to fight for the belt is always at the top of the list, so I can’t really decide. I’m just down to fight whoever. I just love fighting for ONE. I love performing for my fans.

“I want to make sure I enjoy my win, and I focus on being present, but I think I’m a top contender. I want to keep reminding people with good performances.”

Advertisement

The source provides further details on the bout and Lessei’s post‑fight comments.

Source