Saemapetch Fairtex displays an abundance of heart, determination, and desire to fight every time he competes in ONE Championship, and that will undoubtedly continue when steps back into the ONE circle for a heated rematch with Rittewada Petchyindee at ONE 160 on Friday.

Those values have been with Saemapetch since he started in muay Thai, which helped him escape a tragically impoverished childhood. 

Saemapetch was born in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He and his brother were raised by their parents, who did anything they could to provide for their sons despite a significant lack of opportunities in the area.

On the good days, they could earn up to 300 baht (approximately $8.47 USD) by helping at construction sites and local farms. On days when they couldn’t, they ended up collecting bottles and plastics to recycle with the help of Saemapetch and his younger brother.

The family worked hard together, but with only a meager 200 baht (approximately $5.64 USD) in their pockets after a very long and hard day, they barely had enough to cover their daily expenses.

“Sometimes, we literally had nothing,” he recalled. “Other days, it was just rice mixed with fish sauce and chili flakes.”

Then one day, the town’s mayor spotted an 11-year-old Saemapetch on the streets and decided to introduce him to muay Thai. This decision would eventually bring drastic change to his and his family’s lives.

The Thai may not have been the brightest student, but his work ethic was a perfect fit during his earlier days in the “art of eight limbs.”

“As a kid, the only way to make money in our country is to fight,” Saemapetch said. “I decided to start training, and I had my first bout at a temple festival.”

The youngster became an instant hit in the local fight circuit, and he showcased a more developed striking arsenal every time he competed.

Though happy with his reputation, Saemapetch’s main concern was helping with his parents’ financial situation.

“I wanted to do this to support my family and provide them with a good life,” he said. 

Only three years after picking up the martial art, the burgeoning sensation moved up to the big leagues, where he could compete against better and more challenging opposition. 

From there, he built up an impressive record and captured both the Tiger Cement Tournament Championship at Channel 7 Stadium and the Muay Thai Grand Prix welterweight world title.

Those victories caught the eye of ONE Championship’s talent scouts, who were on the hunt for athletes to join their muay Thai ranks, and they offered him a contract to fight in the promotion.

Saemapetch stormed his way to a bout with his idol, ONE bantamweight muay Thai world champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao in November 2019, but he was viciously knocked out.

Since then, the 27-year-old has been fighting his way back into world title contention, and if he beats Rittewada at ONE 160, he could finally earn another crack at his hero and the gold.

“If I can overcome Rittewada in this fight, I believe ONE will offer me a world title rematch against Nong-O because I’ve been the No. 1 contender for long time,” Saemapetch said.

“I think it is the right time. I should get a title shot against him.”

If he were to showcase his heart, determination, and desire to fight on Friday, it could lead to his biggest opportunity yet.