Thai striker Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri exacted sweet revenge a few weeks ago, delivering a devastating first-round head kick knockout of Alexey Balyko at ONE Friday Fights 137 to earn a coveted US$100,000 contract and global roster spot with ONE Championship. The 23-year-old PK Saenchai Muaythaigym representative erased the memory of his previous loss to the Russian striker with a perfectly timed high kick at 2:06 of the opening round inside Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium. The spectacular finish extended Yod-IQ's winning streak to nine consecutive victories and improved his career record to an impressive 126-36, while simultaneously proving he possesses the killer instinct that many had questioned.

Redemption Delivered With Surgical Precision

Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri entered the featherweight Muay Thai rematch with unfinished business weighing heavily on his mind. Merely two years earlier, Alexey Balyko handed the Thai a unanimous decision defeat at ONE Friday Fights 33 in September 2023 – a loss that lingered despite Yod-IQ's subsequent winning streak. The rematch represented an opportunity not just for redemption, but to prove his evolution as a complete fighter capable of finishing dangerous knockout artists.

The PK Saenchai Muaythaigym standout displayed remarkable patience throughout the opening exchanges, studying Balyko's patterns and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. The Russian possessed massive power in his right hand, a weapon he'd used effectively in their first encounter. Yod-IQ recognized this threat and patiently baited his opponent into committing to the punch. At precisely 2:06 of the first round, as Balyko loaded up on his signature right hand, the Thai striker unleashed a thunderous high right kick that connected flush on his rival’s head.

The referee waved off the contest immediately as Balyko crumpled to the canvas. Yod-IQ had his redemption, delivered in the most emphatic fashion possible. The knockout wasn't a lucky strike – it was the culmination of countless hours drilling the technique at PK Saenchai Muaythaigym alongside some of Thailand's finest striking minds, including gym owner Sia Khaek, legendary fighter Ajarn Chanwit, and reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai.

"That neck kick, I drilled it with Ajarn Chanwit, Sia Khaek, and Tawanchai every single day. Morning and evening, we trained like this until it became instinct," Yod-IQ said. "Even though I didn't know when I'd get the timing to kick, we had to prepare it beforehand. When the real moment came, it came out naturally. I prayed in my heart that he wouldn't get up because I really wanted to finish the fight.”

Silencing The Doubters

Yod-IQ's desire to finish Balyko extended beyond simple revenge. Since joining ONE Friday Fights in March 2023, the Thai striker had compiled an impressive winning streak but struggled to deliver the highlight-reel moments that capture attention and earn contracts. Decision victories against quality opponents demonstrated his technical skill, yet whispers began circulating that he lacked the aggression and finishing ability required to compete at the highest level.

The criticism reached its peak when ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong publicly questioned whether Yod-IQ possessed such abilities during a Facebook Live broadcast earlier in fight week.

The shocking head kick knockout of Balyko provided the definitive answer. Yod-IQ hadn't lost his finishing ability – he’d simply been waiting for the right moment to showcase it on the sport's biggest developmental platform. The victory represented his 126th career triumph, extended his winning streak to nine consecutive victories, and most importantly, earned him the life-changing six-figure contract that validated all his hard work.

"The moment they announced I got the contract, I screamed because, like I said, at first I didn't dare to hope. I didn't think the boss would surprise me like this," Yod-IQ confessed. "I'm very ready. I've been ready to seize this opportunity for a long time, and I have to thank all the fans who were an important part in helping to voice their support until I received this contract.”

International Competition Awaits

With his global roster spot secured, Yod-IQ has identified a clear path forward – one that deliberately avoids his esteemed Thai compatriots in favor of testing himself against international athletes who have embraced Muay Thai and kickboxing. The bantamweight striking divisions overflow with talented foreign fighters who present intriguing stylistic matchups, and the newly-crowned contract winner has no shortage of potential opponents.

The 145-pound landscape features compelling names like ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane, Brazilian powerhouse Felipe Lobo, and former K-1 Champions Yuki Yoza and Wei Rui. Each represents a unique challenge that would test different aspects of Yod-IQ's evolving game. However, two names sit atop his personal hit list: Abdulla Dayakaev and Jonathan Haggerty, who reigns as the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion.

"I only want to face foreign fighters. I don't want to face Thai fighters. My ultimate goal is to become the World Champion at 145 pounds," Yod-IQ said. "But right now, I want to focus on one fight at a time and continuously develop myself because in the major promotion, there are only skilled fighters. The opponents I'm especially watching are old rivals like Abdulla Dayakaev and Jonathan Haggerty.”

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