“It’s been an incredible journey” - Youssef Assouik basks in glory of ONE Championship debut win over Thai star Sinsamut Klinmee
Youssef Assouik can finally say he's arrived at the global stage. The multi-time world champion had a ONE Championship debut to remember when he outclassed Thai star Sinsamut Klinmee at ONE Fight Night 25 this past weekend at Lumpinee Stadium.
It was a punishing drawn-out affair between the two lanky strikers, but Assouik managed to weather the storm Sinsamut brought upon him in Bangkok.
Youssef Assouik was already a winner of multiple world titles at ISKA and WMC, but he believes his debut win at ONE Championship puts him at a whole new level in his career.
He wrote on Instagram:
"Alhamdulillah for winning my debut fight against Sinsamut. It's been an incredible journey, and this victory means everything to me. I want to send a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way - especially to those of you who traveled all the way to Thailand to be by my side. It's an experience I will never forget, and your support has been invaluable 🇲🇦🇩🇰🤲🏽."
Assouik added:
"I also want to extend a big thank you to my coach, @therealnakmuay121,@chatchaitaptane, @assouikgym, and @muaythai_academy for your relentless effort and support throughout my preparation. Without your guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you to @pedro_faustino_manager for believing in me with this amazing opportunity. And of course, a big massive thank you to @onechampionship for giving me the chance to compete on such a big stage - it's a dream come true."
Youssef Assouik snipes away at Sinsamut Klinmee in promotional debut
Standing six feet tall, Sinsamut Klinmee found himself in unfamiliar territory against Youssef Assouik at ONE Fight Night 25.
Assouik was an imposing 6-foot-3 lightweight striker, and the debuting star used his height and reach advantage to snipe away at Sinsamut for the entire three rounds of their matchup.
The Danish-Moroccan standout had no problems using his jab and push kicks to prevent Sinsamut from getting into any rhythm during their Bangkok showdown. Assouik also had his elbow ready whenever Sinsamut tried to close the void and he tagged 'Aquaman' multiple times during their short-range exchanges.
Fighting at a clinical and accurate pace, Assouik ultimately took the nod from all three judges in his ONE Championship debut.