The co-main event at ONE Fight Night 45: Lessei vs. Rabah on Prime Video is set to explode this Friday, July 17, as Stephen “El Matador” Irvine and Suablack Tor Pran49 clash in a flyweight Muay Thai showdown from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium. Irvine, fresh off securing a US$100,000 contract with a spectacular head kick knockout of Rambong Sor Therapat, is stepping onto the main roster absolutely starving to make an immediate impact. Meanwhile, Suablack is making his flyweight Muay Thai debut, returning to his natural discipline with a serious point to prove after a rough patch.
"El Matador" Is Calling His Shot and He Sounds Deadly Serious
Stephen Irvine, at just 26 years old, is operating at the absolute peak of his career. The man has stacked up a sterling 7-1 ONE record, tearing through opponents with five straight wins, and you can see him sharpening his tools with every single appearance. The main roster is an immediate test, no doubt, with Suablack being a seasoned Thai veteran packing calculated aggression and a real experience edge. But Irvine? He meets that danger with a hunter’s patience, treating this moment like an invitation to feast, not a threat. The Scottish standout isn't shy about it, saying, “I’ve fought a lot of southpaws, so it’s very similar to all my other fights. For me, I think my skill set will be that much better.” He’s also looking at this new weight class as a huge advantage, adding, “It’s a new weight as well for me, which is going to play in my hands. I know he’s coming down, so he’ll be a bit bigger, but I’m going to have the speed advantage on this one.” Irvine’s heard Suablack wants to press the action, get in the pocket, and set a frenetic pace, but El Matador is supremely unconvinced. He’s spent too much time dismantling aggressive fighters on the weekly ONE Friday Fights circuit. He warned, “I don’t think that’s going to be his best move, to be honest. I wish him good luck with the game plan he has prepared. I don’t think he can handle it. I’m going to knock him out. I’ll get the kill. I’ll get the bonus. That’s what I’m expecting.” Training hard with his close friend, interim World Champion Nico “King of the North” Carrillo, Irvine’s ultimate goal is a shot at Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev’s 26 pounds of gold. “My goal is to be the champion. I’ll do what it takes to get there. Every fight is a step in that direction.”Suablack's Redemption Arc Starts Here
Suablack Tor Pran49 once absolutely ravaged ONE like a force of nature. He reeled off four straight stoppages, earning a six-figure contract and announcing himself as one of the bantamweight division’s most dangerous knockout artists. The keyword there is "once." His progress has been uneven since, with back-to-back losses, including a brutal first-round TKO loss to Hyu in his flyweight kickboxing debut last March at ONE Fight Night 41. Now, he’s making his flyweight Muay Thai debut, looking to get back to what he does best. Despite the tough luck, the NP Suablack representative refuses to let it break his resolve: “Even though I lost my last two fights, I’m not discouraged.” He’s facing Irvine’s ferocious power with his own surgical precision, a seasoned veteran with a real experience edge, and he intends to press the action, matching Irvine in the pocket. This Friday, July 17, from Lumpinee Stadium, it’s not just a fight, it's a statement. For Irvine, it’s about proving he belongs at the top and taking the next step towards that championship gold. For Suablack, it’s about proving he can still be the brawler fans fell for, clawing his way back to form in his natural discipline. You don't want to miss this one.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.