Suakim, a three-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion who walked away from the sport in 2019, faces former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane in a title eliminator at The Inner Circle 25, streaming live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on Friday, August 7.
Suakim, 30, left the sport for three years, citing public scrutiny and the isolation of training camps. ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong invited him back to competition in 2023.
His return started poorly, with knockout losses to Kirill Khomutov and Alexey Balyko.
“Early on, my form was terrible. I couldn’t take a hit and got knocked out twice. I was ready to give up, but I decided to give it one more shot, and things just took off from there,” Suakim said.
Suakim has since won seven straight fights, including a stoppage of Komawut FA Group that earned him a six-figure ONE Championship contract and a finish of Jake Peacock that earned a $50,000 bonus.
“This win streak is probably the best stretch of my entire career. Even back when I was fighting five-round Muay Thai at Lumpinee or Rajadamnern, I never put together a run like this,” Suakim said.
Suakim said fan support carried him through the early setbacks of his comeback, and that he wants to reward that loyalty with a strong showing against Anane on Friday.
