Maksim Bakhtin’s Spinning Back Elbow Steals the Show at ONE Friday Fights 121
Bangkok, Thailand – August 22, 2025: ONE Championship’s weekly “Friday Fights” series has become a factory for highlight‑reel knockouts and breakout performances, and ONE Friday Fights 121 delivered one of the year’s most spectacular finishes. Russian striker Maksim Bakhtin produced a stunning spinning back elbow to knock out Thai veteran Tengnueng Fairtex, closing the fight just 45 seconds into round 2.
The matchup was billed as a clash between Tengnueng’s experience and Bakhtin’s youthful aggression. After a competitive opening round, Bakhtin came out in round 2 looking to make a statement. As Tengnueng circled out of an exchange, Bakhtin turned his back, spun, and landed the point of his elbow flush on Tengnueng’s jaw. The Thai star crumpled, and the referee immediately halted the bout. The victory launched Bakhtin into title contention in ONE’s stacked Muay Thai lightweight division.
Elsewhere on the card, the action came fast and furious. Featherweight Thway Lin Htet stopped Chokpreecha PK Saenchai late in the first round with a barrage of punches, while Jean Carlos Pereira flattened Sheagh Dobbin in the second round, adding to his growing collection of knockouts. Muay Thai specialists Yousif Hammoud and Alisson Barbosa delivered gritty decision wins over Gingsanglek Wor Kumchamnarn and Gompetch PK Saenchai, respectively. In MMA action, Sundui Muay Kham eked out a split decision against Sanzhar Zhaksybek, highlighting the card’s cross‑disciplinary nature.
ONE’s Friday Fights series, streamed live from Lumpinee Stadium, has become a proving ground for regional talent. By blending Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA on a single card, the promotion continues to showcase its ability to deliver diverse combat sports to a global audience. After Bakhtin’s viral knockout, fans immediately called for the Russian to receive a title shot. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but ONE Friday Fights 121 will be remembered for one of the most jaw‑dropping knockouts of 2025.
