Multiple-time Indonesian National Wrestling Champion Eko Roni Saputra is one of the most promising young martial arts talents in ONE Championship. The Indonesian representative of Evolve MMA now based in Singapore is not just a great athlete, he’s also a huge fan of all combat sports.

Taking a look at the upcoming ONE: NO SURRENDER III card in Bangkok, Thailand, a closed-door, audience-free event scheduled for 21 August, Saputra has a few bouts he recommends fans keep an eye on when they tune in this Friday night.

ONE: NO SURRENDER III is the third iteration of the high-profile event series in Bangkok. The headline bout features a ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament Semifinal showdown between Muay Thai athletes Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort and Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai.

Here is a trio of must-watch bouts at ONE: NO SURRENDER III, according to Eko Roni Saputra.

“The Million Dollar Baby” Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort vs “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai

Two of Muay Thai’s most explosive fighters go head-to-head in the main event of ONE: NO SURRENDER III. It’s a semifinal in the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament. The winner will go on to face Saemapetch Fairtex in the final round for the chance to move on to challenge Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.

Saputra is a huge advocate of Muay Thai and is teammates with Nong-O on the Evolve Fight Team. As such, Saputra will be watching this bout closely to see if any of these athletes could possibly give Nong-O a challenge.

“The Sangmanee versus Kulabdam fight is definitely something I’m looking out for. I expect a fiery bout from start to finish. Given that these two fighters are very aggressive, I won’t be surprised if the fight ends inside the distance,” said Saputra.

Saputra, who trains with some of the best Muay Thai fighters at Evolve MMA is also currently upgrading his striking game. Observing the Sangmanee-Kulabdam showdown, he says, will prove beneficial to his overall skill set.

“If you’re a fan of Muay Thai, you will definitely appreciate this fight. If you’re new to the sport, this is a good place to start. These two are very high-level strikers. Their techniques and strategies are great to observe,” said Saputra.

Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy vs Sok Thy

Another great striking showdown at ONE: NO SURRENDER III will come between Thailand’s Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy and Cambodia’s Sok Thy.

Mongkolpetch is a Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, while Sok Thy is a Kun Khmer Flyweight World Champion. The contrast in striking styles is interesting, to say the least. Mongkolpetch and Sok Thy are two high-level fighters Saputra follows, and he’s interested to see how the two will be able to handle each other’s power.

“There’s a vast difference between Muay Thai and Kun Khmer in terms of techniques, despite being similar striking styles, and we can learn a lot from this fight,” said Saputra.

“I know both men always come to fight and neither of them intends to go to the judges’ scorecards, so fans will surely love the performances these two will bring to the ring. If you’re the type who craves action, then this is the perfect co-main event. I’m excited to see who has the better chin between these two.”

Saputra believes this bout will also end with a spectacular finish fans will want to witness.

“Don’t blink, because anything can happen in this fight, and it can happen quickly. Both men can close the distance explosively and before you know it, the fight is over,” said Saputra.

Shannon “One Shin” Wiratchai vs Fabio Pinca

Muay Thai, however, isn’t the only thing on offer at ONE: NO SURRENDER III. ONE Championship veteran Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai and France’s Fabio Pinca are scheduled to throw down in a three-round mixed martial arts contest.

Pinca is a multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion who has spent nearly two decades at the sport’s highest level. He’s a European Kickboxing Champion, two-division WBC Muay Thai World Champion, and even a Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion – an incredibly rare feat for a foreigner in Thailand.

Pinca will be making his mixed martial arts debut against a very experienced athlete in Wiratchai.

“I am super excited to see Fabio Pinca mix it up and try MMA for the first time. Obviously, he’s such a high-level striker, but I’m curious to see how he will do on the ground. They say he’s worked very hard on his Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling over the years. Now he needs to prove it in the ring,” said Saputra.

“Shannon, on the other hand, is so dangerous in all aspects. He has good, solid wrestling skills and pretty good striking too. He’s very unpredictable with his combinations.”

Read More From ONE Championship:

Fabio Pinca Set For Mixed Martial Arts Debut Against Wiratchai

5 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss ONE: NO SURRENDER III

Kulabdam Aiming To KO Sangmanee: ‘If I Hit Him, It Will Be Enough’