Stephen Irvine identifies fatal flaw in opponent’s approach: “He’s crazy, I’m calculated”

Technical precision defeats reckless aggression when fighters understand the difference between chaos and control. Stephen Irvine built his game around exploiting opponents who mistake fury for effectiveness.

Irvine faces Rambong Sor Therapat in the 130-pound Muay Thai main event at ONE Friday Fights 128 on Friday, October 10, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The 25-year-old Scottish striker chases a $100,000 contract while hoping to extend his four-fight winning streak against the pressure-fighting Thai veteran.

Film study revealed everything Irvine needed to know about Friday’s challenge. Rambong overwhelms opponents through suffocating forward pressure, but that aggression creates openings for counter-strikers who remain composed under fire. The Thai’s knockout loss to Suriyanlek Por Yenying showcased exactly how commitment without caution leads to disaster.

Deachkalek Muay Thai Academy’s representative thrives in these situations. His boxing combinations punish fighters who rush carelessly into range, while his elbow work destroys anyone foolish enough to engage recklessly in close quarters. Speed and timing matter more than volume when counters land clean.

“Rambong is a crazy fighter. I know he’s going to come to fight. He’s going to be very aggressive, but he can be reckless. And when he is reckless, that is when I will start my exchanges,” he said.

“His boxing is the most dangerous. But it also leaves him very exposed, and that’s when I will capitalize. I am just technically much better than him. I’m faster, I’m smarter. He’s crazy, I’m calculated. And that is going to be the difference maker in this fight.”

Stephen Irvine credits Nico Carrillo partnership for success

Brotherhood forged through shared sacrifice produces different results than casual training partnerships. Stephen Irvine and Nico Carrillo built their bond at age 15, creating a relationship that pushes both toward greatness.

Carrillo’s ONE Championship success proved Scottish strikers belong among elite competition. His four-fight knockout streak destroyed bantamweight opposition before his interim ONE World Title defeat against Nabil Anane. The move to featherweight brought another spectacular finish over Thai legend Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.

That trajectory inspires Irvine’s own pursuit of glory. Training alongside someone operating one level higher provides daily proof that contract offers arrive for those willing to sacrifice everything. Carrillo’s presence in his corner Friday represents more than coaching — it’s validation that their system works.

“I have trained with Nico since we were 15 years old. Training with him is an inspiration. He is that step ahead of me; he is doing very well, big fights. I am on my own journey, but seeing him get there lets me know that it’s very possible and it’s very close as well,” he said.

“I am 100 percent confident that I can be up there with him. Hopefully be the most famous fighter to ever come out of Scotland. That’s the dream.”