UK’s Lyndon Knowles is taking on the challenge of Ukrainian powerhouse Roman Kriklila in the world title of heavyweight Muay Thailand, Live On Sky Sports.
Knowles is taking part in one championship, the world’s largest martial arts platform for the first time. However, he is the heavyweight Muay Thai champion at the WBC and has been extremely experienced in the sport. He fought 98 in his career.
“For me, it was the pinnacle of Thai boxing right now, and that’s where I want to be, especially now,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s a great way to sign off in sports in 20 years.
“I feel like there’s an answer and agitation.”
Knowles is a colorful character and is immediately recognisable by his long curl mustache and bright bowler hat.
Faced with Kryklia, Cryklia presents a difficult challenge, with five knockouts boasting one record of six wins.
“He’s formidable,” Knowles said. “His strength is that he has that knockout power on his punches and he has those devastating knees.
“I can close the distance and not let him get off the long hook. I can go around my knees, catch them, and defeat them so that it causes a devastating effect for me with my own elbows and punches.
“That’s not the easy job I have, I know it well.”
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Jonathan Hagerty held the One Kickboxing Championship and won the dominant victory over Wei Louis at 171
Trained by his brother Christian, Knowles is familiar with one championship environment where he supported gymmates like Jonathan Hagerty from the corner. “We’re a gym that makes the impossible possible,” he said.
Knowles left no inverted stones in his preparations. His recent training camp in Las Vegas with UFC Khalil Rountree helped him adapt to smaller gloves and refine his impression.
“Thankfully, I was in this camp where I went out in Las Vegas with UFC’s Halil Rountree and he’s a pro who fights with small gloves.”
“Now, little gloves and attacks helped me tackle my entirely different defense, because you can now shoot shots from different angles and sneak people’s guards.
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One championship brings excitement. Here Nakrobu Fairtex lands a giant left hand to knock out his opponent
Despite Kriklier’s devastating power and range, Knowles is confident in his ability to disrupt Ukrainian rhythms and abdicate the champion.
“My style in the ring is I’m a pressure fighter. I want to go forward. He has some long knees so I know he has to be a little smarter this time,” he said. “I just want to entertain you, that’s who I am.
“I definitely look forward to proving a lot of people wrong,” he continued. “It definitely isn’t going to go to round five.”
For Knowles, this is more than just another fight. It is the moment that defines a career on Muay Thai’s most epic stage.
“I destroyed myself.”
An exciting card topped by Kryklia vs Knowles includes Bantamweight Thalenger Challenger Nico Carrillo stepping up to featherweight to win Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.
Scotland’s “King of the North” Carrillo is in a straight and fierce battle after being punished by Nabilanane for the interim Muay Thai title.
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Scotsman Nico Carrillo was unable to make it past the first round against the four dangerous six-foot nabil anane
However, Carrillo is looking forward to gaining weight and riding a Shitochichai.
“He’s a legend. I can say he’s probably one of our best kickboxers of our time,” Carrillo told Sky Sports.
Looking back at Anane’s loss, he said:
“In my opinion, I was beaten 24 hours before I got into the ring. It was on the scales. I destroyed myself.”
He added, “It’s difficult [to move out of the division] When you waving a gold belt in your face… I was completely blinded to it. Now I press the Will Reset button
“Enjoy the process. Let’s see what happens at once.”
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Jonathan Hagerty discusses Nico Carrillo’s loss to Nabil Anane and why Carrillo can see the fight in the future despite gaining weight
Prior to this fight, he also spent time coaching mixed martial arts legend Georges Saint-Pierre.
“I actually took him to a bit of a Muay Thai session,” Carrillo said. “Do some drills and tell him some cool Muay Thai techniques.
“Even for me, I learn in Muay Thai every day. For an MMA guy, it’s really two different worlds.
“Muay Thai is very complicated. It’s a sport that is different in my opinion when it comes to strikes.”
Watch Kryklia vs Knowles Live On Sky Sports Mix from 1am
