Bejenuta “Gladiator” Maximus arrives at ONE Friday Fights 149 on April 3 with a point to prove. The 24-year-old Moldovan makes his ONE debut in the flyweight Muay Thai main event against Tomyamkoong Bhumjaithai at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Maximus carries a 14-3 professional record built across European tournaments and time spent training in Thailand. He represents Team Mehdi Zatout and Fight Club Garuda, and describes his style as deliberately uncomfortable for Thai fighters — built on post-Soviet boxing principles, long-limbed angles, and constant movement.
He has studied Tomyamkoong closely. The Thai main eventer is technical, left-kick heavy, and dangerous in the clinch. Maximus believes his unpredictability gives him a clear edge and that a finish is not just possible — it is the plan.
“I’m a simple guy from the Republic of Moldova. I began at 13 years old in mixed martial arts. After that, at 18 or 19 years old, I began to train professionally, step by step. One year ago, I came to Thailand for the first time. I understood exactly what Muay Thai means. Right now, I’m here in one of the best organizations in the world. It is my first fight in ONE, and I’m happy,” Maximus said.
“My style is a good style, and it will create problems because I have post-Soviet boxing skills. It’s uncomfortable for Thai fighters.”
Bejenuta Maximus plots his path to a finish at ONE Friday Fights 149
Bejenuta Maximus has been sharpening his tools at Team Mehdi Zatout alongside 40 professional fighters ahead of his ONE debut. That environment — and the adjustment to ONE’s smaller gloves — has given him added confidence heading into Bangkok.
He believes the gloves suit his style precisely. Less bulk means faster hands, cleaner sight lines, and more control over distance — all qualities central to the way he fights.
His game plan against Tomyamkoong is patient but aggressive. He intends to disrupt rather than overpower, wait for the right moment, and then commit fully.
“I’m feeling more confident because I can feel the distance better with these gloves. When I extend my arms, it’s easier than with big gloves. I can catch and use my arms more, and everything becomes easier for me. I don’t need to throw strong punches, just need to punch from A to B,” Maximus said.
“He’s a good professional Thai fighter. He often uses left kicks to the middle. He tries to clinch and work smart. He’s a good fighter. If I work smart and use my strategy, the knockout will come. Just like an angry shark, we need to wait for the moment and then throw the hands and legs. It’s a strategy. The knockout will come. We just need to work smart.”