Panpayak Jitmuangnon is quite familiar with his fellow Thai striker Rodtang Jitmuangnon considering they represent the same gym.
Still, it looks like 'The Angel Warrior's' affinity with the former flyweight Muay Thai world champion won't be an issue if ONE ever decides to pit them against one another.
Panpayak is set to slug it out with Russia's Egor Bikrev in a three-round flyweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE Friday Fights 92 on Dec. 20.
Before the 28-year-old fan favorite makes his second appearance of the year at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium, he addressed a potential showdown with 'The Iron Man'.
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Panpayak shared during the event's virtual press conference:
"It doesn’t depend on me. It depends on Chatri [Sityodtong] and the matchmakers, so I can’t really answer right now if I will have an opportunity to fight against Rodtang."
While Panpayak didn't outright proclaim his desire to fight Rodtang, he didn't close the door either.
After all, a date with arguably the most popular Muay Thai athlete today could reap massive rewards and no doubt moves him closer to the vacant flyweight Muay Thai world championship.
Watch the full interview:
Upset-minded Egor Bikrev ready to spoil Panpayak's party
While Panpayak will enjoy a home court advantage inside 'The Mecca of Muay Thai', it appears Egor Bikrev remains unfazed.
During the same online presser, the undefeated 22-year-old vowed to punish the Thai star in front of his hometown fans:
"I will do everything in my power to win in this fight and show everything that I've been training for."
Bikrev, who holds a pristine 7-0 record, is coming off an impressive TKO victory against Gingsanglek Wor Kumchamnarn at ONE Friday Fights 86 last month.
ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow will air live in Asian primetime on Dec. 20 in more than 190 countries around the globe.