‘Still The Same Kulabdam You Know’ – Ratchasiesan Begins New Chapter Ahead Of ONE Friday Fights 147
· Yahoo Sports
For years, fans knew him as Kulabdam, the devastating southpaw nicknamed “Left Meteorite” for his explosive punching power. Now the former two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion is entering a new phase of his career under a different identity.
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Competing as Ratchasiesan Laochokcharoen, the 27-year-old returns to action against Uzair Ismoiljonov in a bantamweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 147 on March 20, live in Asia primetime from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
The name may be new, but the fighter behind it remains the same.
He said:
“For this fight, I’ve officially changed my name and gym colors because [sponsors] bought my rights and renamed me Ratchasiesan (The Lion of Isan). I love the name – lions are the kings of the jungle and fear no one, which fits my personality perfectly.”
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The change marks more than a cosmetic rebrand. For the 27-year-old, it represents a fresh chapter following a difficult moment in his most recent appearance.
After winning four of his previous five bouts, the former ONE World Title challenger suffered a majority decision loss to Thai rival PTT Apichart Farm at ONE Friday Fights 137 last December.
Looking back, Ratchasiesan believes one error changed the course of the fight.
He said:
“I have to admit it wasn’t my best performance. I made a huge mistake early on. I wasn’t expecting him to lead with punches. I thought for sure he’d come in to clinch and knee, so I got caught off guard and dropped. Those small gloves really make a difference – if it hits the sweet spot, you’re going down.
“After losing that count in the first round, I spent the rest of the fight frustrated, trying to chase him down, which really messed up my rhythm. I was hitting him hard enough to hurt my own hands, but man, he is tough.”
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Determined to return to winning ways, Ratchasiesan also made a major change to his training environment.
He has joined the renowned PK Saenchai Muaythaigym, training alongside ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PongSuphan PK and ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai, sharpening every weapon in his arsenal.
The move, he believes, will bring out a more aggressive and dangerous version of himself.
He said:
“To my fans, don’t worry about the name change. My style is still the same Kulabdam you know – I’m a fighter who leaves it all in the ring.
“I’ve been training at PK Saenchai for the last 20 days, working with world-class partners and trainers. You’re going to see a much more aggressive and dangerous version of me. New name, new gym, and a more explosive style. On March 20, ‘The Lion of Isan’ is going to roar!”
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Ratchasiesan Looks To Extend Perfect Record Against International Fighters
Standing across the ring from Ratchasiesan will be one of the division’s most dangerous international challengers.
Uzair Ismoiljonov arrives at ONE Friday Fights 147 carrying serious momentum. The Uzbek striker debuted in Muay Thai but came up short in that appearance. He has since found his footing under kickboxing rules, earning two consecutive victories.
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His most recent performance came at ONE Friday Fights 117, where he delivered a first-round TKO victory over Takahashi Kiyoto.
Now returning to Muay Thai competition, Ismoiljonov looks to make a statement against one of the division’s most accomplished Thai fighters.
Ratchasiesan has already studied the challenge ahead.
He said:
“I’m so happy to be back in ONE. It’s a world-class stage and I’m honored to be part of their major events. My upcoming fight on March 20 is against Uzair. I’ve studied his style. He’s a solid fighter, but we’ll see what happens in the ring.”
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The matchup may play to one of Ratchasiesan’s greatest strengths.
Throughout his career in ONE, he has often performed at his best against international opponents, including former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker. He has faced nine non-Thai fighters in the promotion, winning eight, with one ruled a no contest.
Fighting away from the local rivalry dynamic frees him to compete without the added weight of national expectations, allowing him to pour everything into his performance.
He said:
“I actually prefer fighting foreigners – I feel less tense and can just go out there and do my thing without any extra pressure. My record against international fighters is undefeated, and I plan on keeping it that way forever.”
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