The battle between Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang and Adrian “Papua Badboy” Mattheis has the potential to steal the show at ONE Friday Fights 34: Rodtang vs. Superlek.
Their strawweight MMA clash will open the proceedings at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Asia primetime this Friday, September 22, and the explosive duo are vowing to stage a thriller.
Both men are renowned for their all-action styles and finishing prowess, with Adiwang boasting 11 stoppages in 13 wins and Mattheis owning 10 finishes in 11 victories.
With a willing dancer partner on each side, fans should expect nonstop action for as long as it lasts. Here’s what Adiwang and Mattheis had to say ahead of their curtain-raiser in Bangkok, Thailand.
‘I’m 200 Percent Recovered’ – Adiwang Hungry To Make Statement In Return From Injury
Adiwang is back in business after an 18-month layoff due to a knee ailment, and the Filipino standout can’t wait to put all of his hard work behind the scenes into practice.
The former top-five contender has done everything in his power to make sure his body and mind are ready, and he believes nothing will stop him from competing in peak condition.
Adiwang told onefc.com:
“I’m very, very excited to get back in the ring and do the things that I love. I’m not just hungry to fight again, I’m starving to get back. I think it’s the perfect time to return.
“Let’s not worry about my injury because I’m really here to assure you guys that I’m 200 percent recovered and ready to come back into the game.”
Along with his desire to compete once again, “Thunder Kid” thinks Mattheis is the type of athlete who will bring out his best.
He watched from the sidelines as his peers kept the strawweight MMA division moving. Now, he’s eager to remind fans and fellow athletes why he was considered one of the hottest rising stars when he burst onto the scene in 2019.
Adiwang has also studied the power and offensive capabilities of “Papua Badboy” and holds him in high regard. At the same time, he’s hoping to finish the Indonesian emphatically and send a warning shot to the strawweight elite.
The 30-year-old HIIT Studio representative said:
“[Mattheis is] perfect for me because he’s been beating former top contenders and even former [ONE Strawweight MMA] World Champion Alex Silva. His fighting spirit is something I admire, and I think he’s the type of opponent I need to face right now.
“I visualize the fight to be explosive and exciting from the get-go. It’s gonna be an all-out war of punches and kicks. He’s an extremely aggressive fighter too, so the thought of him and I just trading strikes is exciting for me.
“One thing I want to happen is to get a highlight-reel knockout or a wonderful submission on him. I’ll do my best to earn an impressive win to show that I’m still here – and that I’m gunning for the gold.”
‘I Want To Stand And Bang’ – Mattheis Eager To Throw Down With Powerful Opponent
Mattheis is just as fired up for this scintillating strawweight showdown on Friday.
He won via knockout in his last outing against Zelang Zhaxi in February, and he’s ready for another step up the ladder against a renowned name like Adiwang.
Knowing what his foe is capable of, the Indonesian is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation for “Thunder Kid,” and he can’t wait to prove he belongs among the division’s upper echelon.
Mattheis said:
“Facing Lito Adiwang is something else, man. He’s a recognized strong fighter. I’m preparing well for him. He’s one of the best, so I have to bring my best too.
“I was a bit surprised [when I got the call to fight him], but the fight game will lead us to face different people. We fight with honor, and afterward, we’re all brothers again. Lito Adiwang is a fighter who never gives up, and he’s fast. I’ve been training hard for this matchup.”
Mattheis is never in a boring fight, and he goes for broke every time he enters the Circle or ring.
This has led him to a stunning 91 percent finishing rate in his victories, and he doesn’t expect his next match to go the full 15 minutes, either.
If Adiwang backs up his promise to slug it out on the feet, Mattheis will certainly oblige while he looks for the chance to add another stoppage win to his resume.
The Tigershark Fighting Academy representative added:
“The way I see it, we’re both going to give it our all. I want to stand and bang. I’m giving up my time, as is he. I pray, he prays. But let’s see whose prayers are answered. I’ll give my best.
“There will be a KO for sure, but I don’t set specific targets. Once I see an opening, I’ll go for it.”
