Experience doesn’t guarantee anything when a hungry contender smells opportunity. Pompet PongSuphan PK learned that lesson through inconsistent results over his last six fights. Now he gets to teach it — or have it taught to him — when he faces rising Decho Por Borirak in the ONE Friday Fights 138 main event.
The flyweight Muay Thai clash goes down Friday, January 16, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. Both fighters enter with identical goals: earn the $100,000 contract that changes careers overnight.
The matchup pits Pompet’s 109 career victories and dangerous finishing power against Decho’s 48 wins and resilient fighting spirit. One veteran looking to prove consistency. One prospect looking to prove he’s arrived.
The Veteran’s Puzzle
Pompet carries the credentials that should command respect. The PK Saenchai Muaythaigym product holds seven promotional wins with four spectacular finishes since making an explosive ONE Championship debut at ONE Friday Fights 17 in May 2023. That debut was memorable — a one-punch knockout of Duangsompong Jitmuangnon that announced his arrival with authority.
The 27-year-old Thai followed with an impressive opening stretch, winning four of his first five appearances including notable victories over seasoned campaigners Rittidet Sor Sommai and Suriyanlek Por Yenying. The power was real. The potential was obvious. Then came the inconsistency.
Pompet has alternated between wins and losses across his last six fights — a pattern that suggests either he’s facing increasingly tough competition or he’s struggling to maintain the focus that produced those early finishes. His recent back-to-back victories over Yodlekpet Or Atchariya and Scotland’s Gregor Thom stopped the bleeding, but questions remain.
That November performance against Thom showcased what Pompet can do when everything clicks. He floored the Scottish fighter three times in round two, securing the TKO stoppage that reminded everyone why PK Saenchai Muaythaigym produces dangerous strikers. Another victory Friday would significantly strengthen his case for the contract.
But “should win” and “will win” are different conversations.
The Hungry Challenger
Decho represents exactly the kind of opponent that makes veteran fighters uncomfortable. The Singha Mawynn representative brings 48 career victories and the relentless energy of someone who hasn’t been ground down by years of hard fights yet.
He announced his ONE Championship arrival at ONE Friday Fights 104 in April 2025 with a hard-fought split decision over Isannuea ChotBangsaen, then settled their rivalry definitively via unanimous decision in the June rematch. The performances weren’t flashy, but they revealed character — the ability to win close fights and improve between meetings.
His promotional journey hit a significant roadblock against Suriyanlek at ONE Friday Fights 124. Despite scoring a late knockdown, Decho absorbed two eight-counts in the final round and suffered his first promotional defeat. The loss could have derailed momentum. Instead, it became fuel.
The young Thai responded with character in their October rematch, earning revenge with a dominant unanimous decision performance that showcased both technical evolution and mental fortitude. That’s the kind of response that catches attention — not just bouncing back from a loss, but beating the same opponent decisively after studying what went wrong.
A victory over the experienced Pompet would represent his biggest win and dramatically improve his contract chances as 2026 begins. Youth, hunger, and the confidence that comes from avenging a loss make Decho a dangerous opponent for anyone dealing with inconsistency.
The Contract Stakes
Both fighters understand what’s at stake beyond just another win on the record. ONE Championship’s $100,000 contracts represent life-changing money in a sport where most fighters grind through dozens of bouts before seeing that kind of payday. The contracts also mean access to the global stage, bigger fights, and the opportunity to build toward championship gold.
Pompet’s case rests on experience, finishing power, and recent momentum. He’s proven he can end fights spectacularly when he’s locked in, and back-to-back wins suggest he’s found his rhythm again. But the inconsistency over his last six fights raises questions about whether he’s ready for the pressure of main roster competition.
Decho’s case rests on trajectory, resilience, and the hunger that comes from being on the upswing. He’s 3-1 in ONE Championship with his only loss avenged convincingly. He represents the kind of developing prospect ONE loves to invest in — young, tough, improving with each appearance.
The flyweight division provides the backdrop, but this fight is really about proving who wants it more when everything’s on the line.
If you plan on watching the event live, be sure to check out my guide to Lumpinee Stadium: Ticket Prices, Best Seats, Fight Schedule, and More.
