When these elite athletes meet at ONE Fight Night 35 on Friday, September 5, inside Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium, the winner will likely earn the next opportunity to challenge reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai. For Kouyate, ranked #2 in the division, this represents the culmination of a methodical climb through the sport’s most competitive weight class.
The 30-year-old Malian-French sensation understands exactly what stands across from him in the #3-ranked Shadow. With over 90 professional contests and devastating finishing ability, the Thai veteran brings both experience and explosive technique to their pivotal encounter.
“He’s a very strong fighter. He has strong kicks, good hands, also. He’s very powerful. He’s going forward. He’s a technical fighter,” Kouyate said.
“Everyone in the division is good.”
That analytical approach defines Kouyate’s entire philosophy toward high-level competition. Where some athletes rely purely on physical gifts, “Bambi” treats each contest like an intricate puzzle requiring both preparation and adaptability to solve successfully.
“Fight camp and the fight is always like a chess game,” he said. “For sure, for him, it’s gonna be the same. He’s gonna try to work on my weakness, and I’m gonna try to work on his weakness. So it’s a chess game, it’s always the same.”
Recent performances have validated Kouyate’s systematic approach to championship-level competition. His statement-making first-round TKO of Jo Nattawut at ONE 170 in January showcased his ability to execute under pressure against proven opposition.
Even more impressive was his come-from-behind finish of highly regarded American striker Luke Lessei, demonstrating the kind of composure that separates contenders from champions.
But success hasn’t bred complacency for the former WMC European Muay Thai Champion. Understanding the magnitude of this opportunity, Kouyate has intensified his preparation rather than coasting on momentum.
“Shadow is a challenging fighter, that’s for sure. It’s gonna be a demanding fight. That’s why I had a very hard fight camp. I’m ready,” he said.
His strategy extends beyond physical preparation to tactical adaptation, recognizing that elite-level success requires adjusting to each opponent’s unique strengths and vulnerabilities.
“I’m gonna adapt my style to his style. That’s a goal of the fight camp,” Kouyate said.
