Ellis Badr Barboza’s dream of becoming a world champion was dramatically cut short when Prajanchai PK Saenchai retained his ONE strawweight Muay Thai title. The fight in Bangkok was stopped by a doctor.

The British fighter began energetically, setting the tempo with strong low kicks and jabs. Champion Prajanchai initially remained calm, using his signature teep kicks to keep distance.

Fighters exchanged body kicks, but as the first round progressed, Prajanchai, who also holds the ONE strawweight kickboxing world title, gained momentum. He landed a sharp combination of a straight punch and a low kick, and finished the round with a precise right elbow strike.

Ellis Badr Barboza vs Prajanchai PK Saenchai
Prajanchai (right) defeated Brit Barboza with a sharp elbow.

Prajanchai intensified his attacks in the second round, focusing on Barboza’s body with knees and punches.

The decisive moment occurred when Prajanchai landed a series of slicing elbows, causing a deep cut above Barboza’s left eye.

Despite the injury, Barboza, representing Birmingham, showed resilience and even managed to deliver a one-two combination before the end of the round.

In the third round, Prajanchai increased pressure, launching a flurry of uppercuts, hooks, and a downward elbow against Barboza, who continued to withstand the attacks.

A low blow briefly paused the fight in the fourth round. After the fight resumed, Barboza had a period of strong performance, mainly targeting the champion’s body.

However, when Barboza landed a strong right elbow to the head, Prajanchai immediately responded with an identical, sharp elbow strike.

The damage from the cut proved too severe. Referee Olivier Coste stopped the fight in the fourth round at 1:55, following the doctor’s recommendation.

Prajanchai improved his record to 344-52, and his dominant performance was also rewarded with a $100,000 performance bonus.