British fighter Lyndon Knowles is set to challenge Roman Kryklia of Ukraine, a formidable opponent, for the ONE heavyweight Muay Thai world championship.
This marks Knowles` debut in ONE Championship, the premier global martial arts organization. Despite being new to ONE, he holds the WBC heavyweight Muay Thai title and brings extensive experience with 98 professional bouts.
Knowles expressed to the media, “This fight represents the peak of my Muay Thai career, and it`s exactly where I aim to be at this stage. After two decades in the sport, it feels like a fitting culmination.”
He added confidently, “I believe I have the strategy to win, and I`m expecting to cause an upset.”
Knowles is known for his distinctive personality, easily identified by his long, curled mustache and signature bowler hat.
Kryklia presents a significant challenge, entering the fight with a perfect ONE Championship record of six victories, including five knockouts.
Knowles acknowledged Kryklia`s strength, stating, “He is a formidable opponent. His power lies in his knockout punches and devastating knee strikes.”
Knowles outlined his strategy, “I plan to close the distance to neutralize his hooks. I`ll also be working to evade, catch, and deflect his knees, creating opportunities for my own strikes with elbows and punches.”
He admitted, “I understand the magnitude of this challenge, and I`m fully aware it won`t be easy.”
Knowles, coached by his brother Christian, is familiar with ONE Championship, having supported teammates like Jonathan Haggerty from ringside. He commented, `Our gym is known for achieving the seemingly impossible.`”
Knowles has dedicated himself to thorough preparation, including a recent training camp in Las Vegas with UFC fighter Khalil Rountree. This camp focused on adapting to ONE`s smaller gloves and improving his striking techniques.
He elaborated, “I`m grateful for the Las Vegas camp with Khalil Rountree from the UFC, who is an expert in fighting with smaller gloves.”
He explained the benefits: “It has significantly improved my defense, which needs to be adjusted for smaller gloves, and enhanced my offense. Smaller gloves allow for strikes from various angles, making it easier to penetrate defenses. My time in Vegas has been invaluable.”
Despite Kryklia`s powerful strikes and reach, Knowles remains confident in his ability to disrupt Kryklia`s fighting style and claim the championship.
Knowles described his fighting approach, “I`m a pressure fighter, always moving forward. I need to be strategic against Kryklia because of his effective long knees. Ultimately, I aim to entertain the audience; that`s my fighting persona.`”
He added, “I`m eager to prove doubters wrong, and I`m confident this fight won`t last the full five rounds.”
For Knowles, this fight is more than just a bout; it`s a pivotal moment in his career, taking place on Muay Thai`s biggest stage. He aims to make a significant impact in the heavyweight division and seize the world title decisively.
Nico Carrillo Reflects on Past Setback
The event, headlined by the Kryklia vs. Knowles match, will also feature bantamweight contender Nico Carrillo moving up to featherweight to compete against Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.
Carrillo, known as `King of the North` from Scotland, is entering another challenging fight following a tough loss to Nabil Anane in a bout for the interim Muay Thai title.
However, Carrillo feels revitalized by the move to featherweight and is enthusiastic about facing Sitthichai.
Carrillo commented on his opponent, “Sitthichai is a legend, arguably one of the greatest kickboxers of our time.”
Reflecting on his defeat by Anane, Carrillo stated, “It was a devastating experience, especially because it occurred during the most significant opportunity of my career.”
He explained, “In my view, I was defeated the day before the fight, at the weigh-in. I pushed myself too hard physically.”
He admitted, “It`s difficult to leave a weight division when a championship belt is within reach… I was completely focused on it. But now, I`ve reset my approach.”
He concluded, “Now, I want to enjoy the journey, focus on each fight as it comes, and see what unfolds.”
Leading up to this fight, Carrillo also spent time coaching mixed martial arts icon Georges St-Pierre.
Carrillo shared, “I led Georges St-Pierre through a Muay Thai session, demonstrating drills and teaching him some interesting techniques.”
He added, “Even as a Muay Thai fighter, I learn something new every day. For someone from MMA, it`s a vastly different world.”
Carrillo emphasized, “Muay Thai is incredibly detailed and, in my opinion, a unique striking art unlike any other sport.”
Marcus Bellamy