Felipe Lobo Out of One Fight Night 17, Mohamed Younes Rabah Steps in to Face Saemapetch Fairtex

With a few days before the big night, ONE Fight Night: 17: Kryklia vs. Roberts has undergone a bit of a shakeup. Saemapetch Fairtex will have to wait a little longer to exact revenge on Felipe Lobo.

The Brazilian striker has suffered an injury that will prevent him from competing in their heated rematch this Friday, December 8, inside the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mohamed Younes Rabah replaces Felipe Lobo

Instead, undefeated Algerian striker Mohamed Younes Rabah has stepped in to put the Thai star to the test. Competing in his first match in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Rabah has been a standout in the ultra-competitive Middle Eastern Muay Thai and kickboxing circuit.

The 26-year-old hones his skills in the highly regarded Team Mehdi Zatout stable. Hard-hitting stars like Sinsamut Klinmee and Phetjeeja also call home. Standing at a towering 6-foot-2, the explosive fighter has collected 13 wins in his professional career and has yet to taste defeat. However, that pristine record could be in jeopardy when he steps onto the ONE stage for the first time.

Saemapetch Fairtex’s ONE Championship career

Saemapetch is the #3-ranked fighter in the bantamweight Muay Thai division for good reason. After all, he has 126 wins under his belt and has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most feared strikers.

Through 12 bouts in ONE, the Fairtex Training Center standout has collected eight impressive victories. This includes three wins in his last four. His latest outing, at ONE Friday Fights 30 this past August, saw him display his vaunted power en route to knocking out Kaonar Sor Jor Thonprajin in the first round.

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Saemapetch is undoubtedly aiming for another shot at the bantamweight Muay Thai crown. Moreover, he’ll want to continue his winning ways against his new foe on Friday. Fans in North America can catch ONE Fight Night 17 live and for free on U.S. primetime this Friday with an active Prime Video subscription.