The Inner Circle 23: Three Must‑Watch Battles in Bangkok

Stream Live from Lumpinee Stadium

ONE Friday Fights 163, also known as The Inner Circle 23, hits Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, July 24. Fans can watch all five kickboxing and Muay Thai bouts live at live.onefc.com, which offers members‑only access to the entire card. The night promises high‑stakes titles, seasoned veterans, and rising stars ready to make their mark. Below are the three headline attractions that demand your attention.

Interim Strawweight Title Fight: Sam‑A vs. Aliff

The main event pits two contrasting warriors for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title, as Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao faces Aliff Sor Dechapan in the prime slot. The 42‑year‑old Sam‑A, who carries a staggering 378‑50 record, arrives on the back of a decisive two‑round knockout of Elmehdi “The Sniper” El Jamari, reinforcing his ongoing title ambitions. Aliff, meanwhile, is a 22‑year‑old Malaysian prodigy on a five‑fight winning streak, seeking to become the first athlete from his country to lift the 26‑pound gold. With the division’s king, Prajanchai PongSuphan PK, sidelined by injury, this bout could set up a future unification clash, amplifying the stakes of what is already a must‑see showdown. The winner not only captures the interim strap but also earns a historic moment for Malaysia in the promotion’s pantheon.

Panpayak Takes Aim at Kickboxing Supremacy

In the co‑main event, “The Angel Warrior” Panpayak Jitmuangnon will attempt to solidify his kickboxing dominance against the hungry Mexican talent Anuar “Bad Boy” Cisneros. The seven‑time Muay Thai World Champion holds a combined striking record of 251‑44 and remains undefeated in kickboxing after moving up to bantamweight and outpointing Othman “The Ironside” Rhouni via split decision at ONE Friday Fights 155 in May. Anuar, a 25‑year‑old Silk Muay Thai fighter, brings youthful aggression and a clear desire to claim a signature victory on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Should Panpayak prevail, his win would send a strong message to the current bantamweight kickboxing title holder Jonathan “The General” Haggerty, who is slated to defend his belt against Hiroki Akimoto at ONE SAMURAI 4 in October. This bout highlights the Thai veteran’s bid for continued greatness and the challenger’s quest for instant legend status.

Japanese Debutante Ryujin Faces Thongpoon

The night’s third marquee fight sees rising Japanese star Ryujin “Shindo” Nasukawa make his ONE debut against seasoned Thai veteran Thongpoon PK Saenchai in a strawweight kickboxing clash. The 20‑year‑old Ryujin, younger brother of retired icon Tenshin Nasukawa, boasts a 17‑3 overall record, an ISKA K‑1 Strawweight World Championship, and the RISE Flyweight Title, having posted a 14‑fight winning streak that ended last June. Thongpoon brings 80 career wins, four knockout victories inside ONE, and a flair for theatrics that complements his devastating finishing ability as a PK Saenchai Muaythaigym product. Both fighters are eager to cement their legacies—Ryujin wants to step out of his brother’s shadow, while Thongpoon aims to remind the promotion of his enduring danger after recent setbacks. Fans can expect an all‑action war as each competitor looks to prove they belong at the top of the division.