‘I Wanted To Keep Fighting’ – Inside The Humble Beginnings That Shaped Worapon
Worapon Lukjaoporongtom headlines ONE Championship’s August 28 Muay Thai main event in Bangkok, seeking a US$100,000 contract after a three-fight 2026 winning streak.
Worapon Lukjaoporongtom, 23, faces Italian fighter Lenny Blasi in a bantamweight Muay Thai main event at The Inner Circle 28 on August 28, live from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The bout streams exclusively for members at live.onefc.com during Asia primetime. A victory would position him for a US$100,000 main roster contract with ONE Championship.
Born in Buriram, Worapon began Muay Thai training at age six under his father’s encouragement, despite initially preferring football. His first fight at seven, won at a local temple festival, earned him 150 Thai Baht (US$4.50), which he spent on a remote-controlled car. The early win sparked his passion for the sport.
His father later enrolled him at a fight camp during school breaks, leading Worapon to transfer to a local school in Buriram to train full-time by age nine or ten. By 13 or 14, he competed in Bangkok, building experience through regional circuits and temple festivals before advancing to professional stages.
Worapon cites Superlek, ONE’s reigning Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion, as his idol, emulating his striking style and tactical approach. His breakthrough moment came fighting at Channel 7 Stadium as a teenager, followed by appearances at Rajadamnern and Lumpinee Stadiums under the ONE banner.