Rungrawee “Legatron” Sitsongpeenong has spent eight months preparing for this moment. The 30-year-old Sitsongpeenong fighter challenges Regian “The Immortal” Eersel for the vacant ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle on Friday, April 10, streaming live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The road back began with a loss to George Jarvis, followed by a composed bounce-back win over Youssef Assouik at ONE Fight Night 34 last August. That performance showed the evolution of a fighter who spent his time away from competition coaching Thailand’s National Pencak Silat Team at the SEA Games and embracing fatherhood. When ONE Championship called with an offer to fight Eersel for the vacant belt in early March, the reaction was immediate.
He has studied Eersel carefully and believes the 10-time ONE World Champion carries a specific vulnerability that his legs are built to exploit. Eersel’s punches and flying knee are acknowledged dangers. His tendency not to check leg kicks is the opening Rungrawee intends to walk through for 25 minutes.
“I’m happy with how I fought Youssef because we did our homework and had a solid game plan. He’s a big, tall guy, so trading shots up close wasn’t an option. I had to stay outside and control the range. Everything went according to plan,” Rungrawee said.
“I found out about the Eersel fight in early March. I was shocked and stoked at the same time to finally get a shot for gold. I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time, and now it’s finally happening.”
Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong breaks down his game plan against Regian Eersel
Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong’s game plan is straightforward. His legs are bigger, his kicks are heavier, and Eersel does not check them consistently enough. Film study has reinforced that belief — particularly Eersel’s early outing against Sinsamut Klinmee. There, the champion was troubled repeatedly by teeps and left kicks before finding his footing.
His two children will be ringside at Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, as they are for every fight. That image has been the constant motivator behind every training session since March. A world title would change everything for him and for them.
“I’m 100 percent confident my kick has more power. My legs are much bigger than his. His legs are skinny, so the power isn’t even on the same level. But hey, we’ll see for sure when we settle it in the ring,” Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong said.
“My kids are my biggest motivation. They’re ringside for every fight, and seeing them there gives me that extra motivation to keep fighting. Winning that belt would change everything. It would put my name on the global map. But more importantly, it means I can provide a better life for my two kids and my family.”