Panpayak Jitmuangnon’s return to ONE Championship after a nearly two-year hiatus was nothing short of spectacular
His victory over Silviu Vitez at ONE Friday Fights 83 showcased the elite skill set that has made him a champion in the sport of Muay Thai.
With his exceptional technique, ability to control distance, and mental toughness, Panpayak has firmly reestablished himself as a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division.
As fans eagerly anticipate his next move, it’s clear that Panpayak’s journey in ONE Championship is far from over.
Whether he faces top contenders or secures a title shot, the future looks incredibly bright for the Thai Muay Thai star.
Silviu Vitez’s career is a story of perseverance, talent, and hard work. From his early victories in Spain to becoming a WAKO-Pro World champion, Vitez has proven himself time and again as a top-tier fighter.
His recent title defense against Djany Fiorenti demonstrates that he is still at the peak of his career, with many more victories likely on the horizon.
As Vitez continues to compete and defend his title, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring fighters around the world.
His journey showcases the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and his legacy in the sport of Muay Thai is still being written. Whether in the ring or outside of it, Silviu Vitez remains a champion in every sense of the word.
Also Read:Â Jeremy Stephens (UFC): Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Legacy, Net Worth 2024 and More
Table of Contents
Panpayak Jitmuangnon: Stellar Comeback in ONE Championship
After nearly two years away from competition, former Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai champion Panpayak Jitmuangnon made his highly anticipated return to ONE Championship.1
Fans had eagerly awaited his comeback, and Panpayak did not disappoint when he stepped into the ring at ONE Friday Fights 83 at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Facing Romania’s Silviu Vitez in a flyweight Muay Thai bout, Panpayak delivered a stunning performance that showcased his enduring skill, technique, and mental toughness.
This fight was part of the stacked ONE Friday Fights 83 card, which saw top-tier talents battle it out in front of a passionate Muay Thai audience. Let’s break down the key moments and techniques from Panpayak’s comeback, as well as what might be next for the Thai superstar.
The Build-Up to the Bout
The return of Panpayak had been a long time coming. Known for his dominance in Muay Thai, he earned his reputation by winning multiple championships at the Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadiums, two of the most prestigious Muay Thai arenas in Thailand.
His hiatus left fans wondering when they would see him back in the ring, and his return sparked excitement throughout the Muay Thai world.
His opponent, Silviu Vitez, a tough and seasoned fighter from Romania, was no easy task. Vitez had established himself as a formidable competitor in international Muay Thai circles, known for his tactical awareness and resilience. The matchup promised to be an intriguing clash of styles, with Panpayak’s technical striking meeting Vitez’s aggressive pressure.
Panpayak’s Mastery of Distance Control
From the opening bell, Panpayak asserted his dominance through his expert use of kicks. He wasted no time implementing his game plan, launching front kicks and leg kicks to establish range and control the distance.
Panpayak’s trademark teep (push kick) was particularly effective, forcing Vitez to remain on the defensive.
One of Panpayak’s most impressive abilities has always been his control of the ring. By keeping his opponent at bay with his kicks, he dictated the pace of the fight. Vitez found it difficult to close the distance, and every attempt to pressure forward was met with sharp counters.
Panpayak’s ability to manage range and use his long limbs to maintain an advantage was a clear highlight in the early stages of the bout.
Silviu Vitez’s Attempts to Break Through
Despite Panpayak’s early dominance, Vitez was not one to back down. In typical fashion, he attempted to bring the fight into the clinch, marching forward in an effort to smother the Thai fighter’s attacks.2
Vitez is known for his grit and toughness, and this fight was no exception as he continually pressed forward, looking for an opportunity to land his own strikes.
Vitez’s clinch game, however, was neutralized by Panpayak’s well-timed knee strikes and sweeps. Every time Vitez tried to close the gap, Panpayak responded with precise counters, forcing the Romanian fighter to rethink his strategy.
This back-and-forth exchange of techniques showcased the cerebral nature of Muay Thai, where timing and tactical adjustments are often the key to victory.
The Turning Point: Panpayak’s Counteroffensive
The second round saw Vitez ramp up the pressure, as he knew he needed to gain ground after a difficult first round.
He upped his tempo and aggression, trying to catch Panpayak off-guard with quick flurries and clinch battles.
However, Panpayak remained composed and continued to display his striking superiority.
One of the standout moments of the fight came when Panpayak began to string together powerful combinations that included knee strikes and elbows. Vitez’s efforts to corner Panpayak were met with swift counters, and the Thai star’s experience became even more evident.
Panpayak’s ability to anticipate his opponent’s moves and respond with devastating precision allowed him to maintain control even when under pressure.
Silviu Vitez: Rally and Panpayak’s Tactical Defense
By the third and final round, Vitez knew he needed something big to turn the tide. His aggression reached its peak, and he relentlessly pursued Panpayak, hoping to capitalize on any mistakes or weaknesses.3
The Romanian fighter showed his resilience, constantly moving forward and looking to engage in clinch battles where he could unload his strikes.
However, Panpayak’s tactical awareness shone through once again. He expertly used sweeps and teeps to maintain his distance and disrupt Vitez’s rhythm. His timing in landing knee strikes during clinches was impeccable, preventing Vitez from gaining any momentum.
Despite Vitez’s best efforts, Panpayak’s superior defense and strategic approach allowed him to weather the storm and maintain his lead.
A Well-Earned Victory for Panpayak
As the final bell rang, it was clear that Panpayak had done more than enough to secure the victory. The judges awarded him a unanimous decision, a testament to his overall dominance throughout the fight.
This victory marked a successful return to ONE Championship for Panpayak and reaffirmed his status as one of the top fighters in the flyweight division.
The Thai star’s ability to seamlessly transition between offense and defense, his expert use of range, and his calm under pressure were all key factors in his win. Although Vitez put up a valiant fight and showed flashes of his own skill, it was Panpayak’s experience and technique that ultimately secured the victory.
The Impact of the Comeback Fight
Panpayak’s return to the ring carries significant implications for the flyweight Muay Thai division in ONE Championship.
His performance against Vitez proved that he is still at the top of his game and ready to take on the division’s best fighters. This victory puts him back in the spotlight and positions him for future high-profile matchups.
Given his impressive track record and the way he handled a strong opponent like Vitez, Panpayak could be in line for a title shot or a rematch with one of his previous opponents.
Fans are eager to see where his journey goes next and whether he can reclaim championship gold in the ONE Championship flyweight division.
Also Read:Â Khalil Rountree Jr vs. Alex Pereira (UFC 307): Match Predictions, Legacy and More
Silviu Vitez: Bio
Silviu Vitez, born on February 7, 1995, is a Romanian-Spanish Muay Thai kickboxer who has made waves in the international kickboxing scene.
Known for his skill and determination, Vitez has risen to prominence as the current WAKO-Pro World K-1 Lightweight champion.
As of December 2022, he was ranked the #8 super bantamweight in the world by Beyond Kickboxing, a testament to his status among the elite fighters in his weight class. This article delves into his career, tracing his journey from early victories to becoming a world champion.
Rising Muay Thai Star and WAKO-Pro World K-1 Champion
Vitez began his professional kickboxing journey in Madrid, where he trained rigorously to hone his skills.
His first notable victory came on December 16, 2017, when he faced Mohamed al Mohammadi at Fight Club Slam.
Vitez won the fight by decision, marking a successful start to his professional career.
His international breakthrough came in 2018, when he was invited to participate in the prestigious K-1 featherweight World Grand Prix. On June 17, 2018, Vitez faced Ryusei Ashizawa in the quarterfinals of the tournament. Unfortunately, he lost the fight by a first-round technical knockout.
Despite the setback, the experience of competing on such a large stage helped shape his fighting style and determination.
Silviu Vitez: Career
First Title Victories and Defenses
Vitez’s career gained momentum later in 2018. On October 6, 2018, he knocked out Cristian Rodriguez Rojo in the first round at Enfusion Talents 59, showcasing his striking power.
This victory earned him recognition as a rising star in the world of Muay Thai.
A month later, on November 17, 2018, Vitez captured the Spanish National Muay Thai -58 kg title by defeating Moha Salih at Cinturón Profesional MTR.
He won the fight by unanimous decision, marking his first major title win. Vitez successfully defended his title on December 25, 2018, against Daniel Botella at MFC Showdown 002, securing a second-round knockout.
Training Under Moises Hermo and New Challenges
In 2019, Vitez relocated to Noia, Galicia, where he began training under the supervision of Moises Hermo, a legendary figure in the Muay Thai world.
Training at the Club de Lucha de Noia, Vitez sharpened his techniques and prepared for the biggest challenges of his career. Under Hermo’s guidance, Vitez continued to evolve as a fighter, but the year was not without its challenges.
On March 16, 2019, Vitez suffered a setback when he faced Brandon Vieira at Divonne Muaythai Challenge 4. Vieira won by unanimous decision, ending Vitez’s winning streak. Vitez faced another defeat on May 18, 2019, when he lost by unanimous decision to Juan Mario at MFC 003.
European Success: Capturing the ISKA European Muay Thai Title
Despite the losses in 2019, Vitez bounced back in 2020. On February 8, 2020, he faced Diogo Silva at Noia Fighters 4 and won the ISKA European Muay Thai title via unanimous decision.
This victory solidified Vitez’s standing in the European Muay Thai circuit and was a significant milestone in his career.
Following this triumph, Vitez returned to MFC and continued his winning streak. He secured unanimous decision victories over Lusimi Salar on August 1, 2020, and Miguel Brito on September 12, 2020. These wins demonstrated his consistency and ability to perform at a high level.
WAKO-Pro World K-1 Lightweight Champion
In 2022, Silviu Vitez achieved his biggest career victory to date. On August 6, 2022, at MFC 022, Vitez faced Fabio Loisi for the vacant WAKO-Pro World K-1 Lightweight title.
The fight was a closely contested battle, with Vitez emerging victorious by split decision. Winning this prestigious title marked the pinnacle of his career, cementing his status as one of the top lightweight fighters in the world.
Later that year, Vitez took on the former Arena Fight -60 kg champion Djany Fiorenti at Nuit Des Championes 29 on November 19, 2022.
In a grueling match, the fight went to an extra fourth round, after which Vitez was declared the winner by decision. This victory further solidified his reputation as a tough and determined competitor.
Also Read: Tim Kennedy Challenges UFC’s Choice to Pair Khamzat Chimaev with Controversial Sparring Partner