Nakrob Fairtex On New Power Against Gheirati

Nakrob Fairtex is betting on patience and heavier hands when he faces Parham Gheirati at ONE Fight Night 48 on Friday, October 2.

The Thai bantamweight Muay Thai fighter, who snapped a three-fight skid with a disciplined decision over Jacob Smith earlier this year, told BJPENN.com that his move up from flyweight has brought an unexpected bonus in the gym. "While I might not throw strikes as fast in this weight class, I've gained a lot more power in return," he said. "During training, my strikes felt so much heavier that I actually surprised myself. I've never hit this hard before."

Nakrob Fairtex Confident In Finish At Bantamweight

Nakrob meets the 22-year-old Iranian Gheirati, who rides a six-fight win streak into the bout at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. The Fairtex Training Center product acknowledged that his Smith fight carried enormous stakes after three straight losses. "I felt immense pressure," the 27-year-old said, per BJPENN.com. "Losing again would've made it really tough to stay in the big show."

He expects Gheirati's speed and power to test his newfound restraint in close quarters, but says the added weight class has changed his finishing prospects. "Even with a tactical approach, my goal every time I step into the ring is to get the finish," Nakrob said. "In this weight class, I'm confident that if I land a clean shot, anyone can go down."

Gheirati returns from nearly a year out following a knockout of Tyson Harrison. The bout airs live in U.S. primetime on Prime Video.

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• BJPenn — Nakrob Fairtex trusts patience and new power against Parham Gheirati