LITO “Thunder Kid” Adiwang is ready to put on a show when he returns to ONE Championship for the first time since injuring his ACL back in March 2022.
The stage is now set for Adiwang’s return, as he battles Adrian “Papua Badboy” Mattheis at ONE Friday Fights 34: Rodtang vs. Superlek on September 22 inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Their fight will open the event that will be bannered by the clash between ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and divisional kickboxing kingpin Superlek Kiatmoo9.
That’s why Adiwang knows he can’t come out sluggish in his return.
“Yes, there’s a little pressure on my end, especially since I’m really hoping to make a good return for myself, and we’re tasked to open this card and set the mood for the night,” he said.
“I just wish us both well, that we’ll be able to show our best to the fans.”
There is no question about Adiwang’s warrior spirit and willingness to give the fans a show to remember. There is a question, though, on how healthy his knee is.
Adiwang was supposed to return last January against Mansur Malachiev, but “Thunder Kid” decided to postpone his return owing to some recurring pain in his knee.
This time, Adiwang assures everyone that he’s coming in 100 percent.
“I made sure to test everything. I tried twisting it or overstretching it, I tried to see if it would absorb hard impact, hard sparring, hard wrestling,” Adiwang said.
“Wherever this fight goes, I know it will hold. I’m ready.”
Having sat out for the last 18 months, Adiwang is excited to showcase his exciting style once more and remind fans and fighters that he’s still here.
“This will be a great fight because he’s an aggressive and explosive fighter. Let’s just see who will set their strikes [up] better and connect clean,” he said.
“We’re both explosive fights, and we’re both exciting, but there are levels to this. Let’s just see in the fight.”
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