The path to ONE World Championship gold runs straight through Bangkok, and on Friday, September 5, two featherweight assassins will determine who gets the next shot at Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s throne. Bampara Kouyate and Shadow Singha Mawynn meet in a potential title eliminator at ONE Fight Night 35 inside Lumpinee Stadium, with the winner possibly earning the opportunity of a lifetime.
This isn’t just another fight – it’s the definition of high-stakes combat sports. The #2-ranked Kouyate faces the #3-ranked Shadow in what promises to be a dangerous chess match between two men who have built their careers on finishing opponents in spectacular fashion.
Kouyate brings the kind of resume that demands respect. The 36-2 French-Malian striker is riding a two-fight finishing streak that has established him as the division’s most dangerous contender. His third-round knockout of Luke Lessei in July was impressive, but his first-round destruction of Jo Nattawut at ONE 170 in January sent shockwaves through the featherweight division.
The 30-year-old former WMC Muay Thai World Champion possesses the perfect combination of technical striking and devastating knockout power. His reach advantage and high-kick arsenal have proven problematic for elite opposition, making him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the weight class.
Standing across from him is Shadow, the Thai warrior whose journey to this moment reads like a fairy tale. The former Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion earned his ONE Championship contract the hard way – through dominant performances at ONE Friday Fights that caught the attention of the entire martial arts world.
Shadow’s path to the main roster included victories over former ONE World Title challenger Jimmy Vienot and legend Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, before earning his six-figure contract with a second-round knockout of Hassan Vahdanirad at ONE Friday Fights 100 in March. His devastating elbow strikes and relentless pressure have become his calling cards.
But Shadow enters this fight with extra motivation. His most recent appearance ended in frustrating fashion – a no-contest against Mohamed Younes Rabah at ONE Fight Night 33 due to an accidental eye poke while Shadow was ahead on the scorecards. The controversial ending has only fueled his hunger to make a definitive statement.
The stylistic matchup couldn’t be more intriguing. Kouyate’s reach advantage and thunderous high kicks will test Shadow’s ability to close distance and unleash his close-range elbow work. Both men possess proven finishing ability, and both understand exactly what’s at stake.
With Tawanchai firmly established as the divisional king, the featherweight division remains one of ONE Championship’s most competitive weight classes. But after September 5, one man will emerge as the undisputed next challenger, while the other will watch his title dreams evaporate.
