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Saemapetch Fairtex is one of the most ruthless strikers in the world, and he revealed that another adrenaline-filled hobby helps him prepare to be at his best every time he steps into action in ONE Championship.

The Thai talent is busy gearing up for a high-stakes bantamweight Muay Thai bout against #2-ranked contender Felipe Lobo at ONE Fight Night 17: Kryklia vs. Roberts on Friday, December 8, inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, but he took time out to discuss a childhood interest that still lives large in his head in a recent interview with ONE.

Saemapetch Fairtex living childhood dream of owning a bike

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The Thai revealed that buying a bike is something he had wanted to do since he was a kid. “I have dreamed of having a big bike since I was a child. When I saw adults riding big bikes, I thought they looked so badass. But at that time, I didn’t have enough money for a big bike,” Fairtex said. Not many people get to live their dreams, but the Fairtex Training Center standout has fulfilled two of his – fighting as a professional and buying his dream bike.

Fairtex’s BMW S1000 RR is a source of great pride for him, and he enjoys riding it with like-minded enthusiasts. That said, the Pattaya native also understands that he may be putting his career at risk every time he rides. UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, for example, was involved in a near-fatal crash in 2018, which nearly ended his life and fighting career.

As such, Fairtex always takes the necessary precautions whenever he sets out on it. “First, I am proud that I was able to make my dream of owning a big bike come true. Second, I have to ride very carefully because I’m a fighter,” Saemapetch said.

Most of the time, I ride at the back of the group because if the first bike has an accident, I still have enough time to brake. And I opt for the best and most expensive helmet to protect my head,” he added. And the 29-year-old also revealed that riding a bike gave him tangible benefits in the ring.

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Fairtex reveals riding bike helps keep his mind calm

Competing at the highest levels of the sport entails a lot of sacrifice, discipline, and hard work, and with eight wins in ONE under his belt, it’s clear that the former ONE World Title challenger puts in the time and effort in his craft.

Also Read: Highly Touted Western Striking Stars to Make Promotional Debut on All-Muay Thai One Fight Night 17 Card Event

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But keeping your head clear is also essential for any athlete, and Saemapetch says that practicing his lifelong hobby has been crucial to him becoming a world-class fighter. “I ride my big bike to relieve stress from training. When I start the engine and feel the wind, it helps calm my mind,” he said. Who do you think will win Fairtex vs. Lobo?

Also Read: Chatri Sityodtong Says ONE Championship Anticipates Core Business Profitability by 2024