Eddie Abasolo hopes to land a spot in loaded featherweight Muay Thai rankings by beating Mohamed Younes Rabah
Despite going through a rough stretch, Filipino-American striking sensation Eddie Abasolo believes he has the talent to keep up with the elite strikers in ONE Championship.
To prove himself against some of the best in the loaded 155-pound Muay Thai ranks, Abasolo believes he just needs to climb the ladder to showcase what he's got.
On Nov. 8, the 37-year-old fan-favorite will have the opportunity to possibly break into the rankings with a big victory over Mohamed Younes Rabah at ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug.
'Silky Smooth' shared in an interview with 4oz to Freedom, ahead of his three-round featherweight Muay Thai showdown with 'The Eagle' at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand:
"I believe the direction, [breaking into the top five] is where it takes me. Because I fought Luke [Lessei] in my last fight, you know. I believe he's number five right now. Sitthichai is number two. When I fought Niclas Larsen, he was number four or number five, one of those."
To be fair, Eddie Abasolo's closely contested setbacks came against respected names.
While The Resistance Gym affiliate's dynamic athleticism and insane reflexes are indeed world-class, he's certainly in need of a big victory to stay relevant in the murderer's row of talent in the featherweight Muay Thai division.
ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug will air live in US Primetime free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America.
Eddie Abasolo says Mike Tyson inspires him to beat bigger opponents
Eddie Abasolo has faced off against towering individuals in the home of martial arts. At ONE 169, he'll face 6-foot-2 skyscraper Younes Rabah, whose length is a problem against anyone in the division.
In the same interview, 'Silky Smooth' revealed he's been drawing inspiration from boxing legend 'Iron' Mike Tyson, who beat up much bigger opponents throughout his iconic career.
"Mike Tyson, a lot of his opponents were a lot taller than him. So it's like man it could be done. It ain't no thing."
Watch Eddie Abasolo's full interview: