Horrible Muay Thai DQ

Today, Rungnarai, a 29-year-old debutant at ONE Friday Fights 83, made a costly error during his match against Mikel Fernandez, 33. After successfully landing a series of strikes that dropped Fernandez, Rungnarai threw an illegal kick to his opponent's head while he was grounded, resulting in a disqualification just 20 seconds before the end of the first round. Fernandez, who was making his own ONE Friday Fights debut, was momentarily knocked out by the illegal strike. Despite this, Fernandez has been quick to forgive, offering a positive update on his condition. “He gave me a [punch], but he didn’t hurt me that much,” Fernandez told the Bangkok Post. “I was just going to support my hands to keep fighting, and then he kicked my face from afar.” Fernandez had promised his fans and students at Evolve MMA in Singapore a more aggressive style compared to his previous days as a renowned "Muay Femur" fighter. Although disappointed, he remained optimistic. “I’m sad because I wanted to give a great fight to the fans. I hope to return soon and fight,” he added. “I think he kicked my face because he was nervous about the fight. Rungnarai isn’t a bad guy.” Rungnarai, a former Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium champion and former stablemate of ONE two-sport king Superlek Kiatmoo9, was making his return to competition after a four-year retirement. However, the illegal strike not only ended his comeback fight prematurely but also left questions about his next move in ONE Championship. “I’m just sad because I want to be a big name in my weight class in ONE Championship. If we get a rematch or continue fighting for ONE, it would be great,” Fernandez said. Both fighters, though disappointed with the outcome, hope to return to the ONE Championship stage soon, with Fernandez particularly eager to prove himself in future matchups.