‘It Will End Fast Again’– Worapon And Tom Casse Set The Stage For Explosive ONE Friday Fights 153 Main Event

There is plenty of fire in those words, but it is not all talk.

Worapon has been building his case for a life-changing US$100,000 contract with the world’s largest martial arts organization since his ONE Friday Fights debut in May 2023. Since then, he’s scored eight wins — four by knockout — and owns a finishing rate that has only increased with every passing fight.

He heads into this Lumpinee showdown fully aware that another emphatic stoppage could be the moment that finally pushes him across the threshold and onto the main ONE Championship roster.

He continued:

“I want my third straight win of the year to keep a steady path to the global stage. My goal is to secure the ONE contract within this year.

“I feel like the goal is within reach now, but it just depends on how well I can maintain this form and when [ONE Chairman and CEO] Chatri [Sityodtong] feels the time is right.”

For all the confidence he carries into fight night, the Sor Dechapan representative is fully aware that Casse will not simply hand him the night.

The 23-year-old has spent the back end of his camp breaking down the Frenchman’s tendencies and identifying both the threats he brings and the openings he leaves behind.

Worapon’s respect for his foe’s arsenal is genuine. The blueprint, however, is already taking shape inside his head.

He said:

“I’ve watched tapes of his recent fights. He’s dangerous. He has very quick movement, fast strikes, and a lot of heart – he’s not the type to give up easily. The thing I have to watch out for most is his hands; he throws combinations in bunches, not just one at a time.

“Tom’s weakness seems to be the clinch. He definitely prefers staying on the outside. Being European, his style is similar to Arthur’s, but Tom looks a bit more agile and quick.”

No Time For A Quiet Debut

Like the Thai standout standing across the ring from him at ONE Friday Fights 153, Tom Casse is under no illusion that he will enjoy an easy night out on his promotional bow.

The 25-year-old carries a three-fight winning streak and a 12-4 slate into this bout, leaving no stone unturned in his bid to introduce himself to a global audience the right way.

He knows exactly how rare an opportunity like this one is, and he intends to make sure he honors it this Friday.

He said:

“I always wanted to be where I am now. I fought guys who came to ONE Championship, and I always asked my trainer, ‘When is my turn?’ He told me to be patient and that my turn will arrive. Now I have this opportunity, so I’m really happy.

“However, Worapon is a really tough opponent. He has had 13 fights in ONE. He has experience. I know his left side [is powerful] and I know a lot of things about him. I would say he’s definitely one of the best bantamweights right now.”

After all, the matchup is everything a debuting fighter at ONE Friday Fights could ask for — a top-of-the-card slot, a live primetime broadcast inside the most iconic Muay Thai stadium on the planet, and an opponent who is already being whispered about as the next man in line for a six-figure main roster deal.

Casse views the assignment not as a hurdle but as a launchpad. Beat the man knocking on the door, and the door opens for him instead.

He said:

“This fight is a big opportunity because he’s one of the top opponents. So, if I beat him, I will arrive directly at the top.

“It’s a really good thing for me. I think he’s almost [going to get] the contract, so it’s an easier way for me to go on top.”

The clinch, of course, is the elephant in the ring. Worapon has already flagged it as the area where he believes he holds the decisive edge, and “No Time” is fully aware of the Thai’s pedigree in close quarters.

Casse is not running from that conversation, though. He intends to lean on every weapon in his arsenal – his hands above all – to dictate where this fight is fought.

He concluded:

“For sure, he has more experience than me in the clinch, but I believe in my skills. Clinching is one of his good weapons, but I can respond with mine. I know I can defend myself and go out or walk in.

“When he comes, I will be ready to handle him with my style. I can rely on my boxing, and I believe it will work like that.”

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