ONE featherweight Muay Thai debutant Charlie Guest of England is ready to make a glowing statement in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
Guest steps onto the global stage against French-Malian knockout artist Bampara Kouyate at ONE Fight Night 44 on June 26 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
For the British striker, this is a lifelong dream turned into reality. The 30-year-old ISKA world champion and WBC European and British kickboxing champion from Andover has spent years grinding in the regional circuit.
His hard work has finally paid off, as the home of martial arts acknowledged his efforts and allowed him to show the world what he can do.
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However, it won’t be a walk in the park. Kouyate carries a reputation built on devastating knockout power, with wins over Luke Lessei and Jo Nattawut on his resume.
Still, Guest is eager to prove he belongs on this stage with a rousing introduction.
He told ONE Championship:
“My prediction is that I’ll win by knockout via an elbow.”
Guest is not just predicting a win; he’s seeking to make a statement in the promotion’s most loaded striking ranks.
Charlie Guest shares how he’ll break Bampara Kouyate
Bampara Kouyate has been a tricky puzzle to solve in the featherweight ranks with his length and pristine distance management.
However, Charlie Guest has a straightforward plan. He plans to bridge the distance and punish Kouyate in close quarters.
“I know my opponent is tall and has very good range management,” he said. “I watched all his previous fights on ONE Championship. His strengths are his long range, so I’ll need to get inside and use my knees and elbows.”
The ONE debutant added:
“His weakness is at close range, so that’s where I’ll look to get to.”
ONE Fight Night 44 is available live and free for Prime Video subscribers in North America.
Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
