‘Life Was Pretty Tough’ – Rungrawee’s Journey From Rice Fields To Global Spotlight At ONE Fight Night 34

Before he built a reputation as “Legatron” for his thunderous kicking arsenal, grew up in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, where he worked in cassava fields and rice paddies to help his parents.

That hard upbringing didn’t just toughen him up – it fueled a dream far bigger than the farmland that the Thai striking star was raised on.

This coming Friday, August 1, the 29-year-old will go toe-to-toe with Danish-Moroccan slugger in a crucial lightweight Muay Thai contest at , which airs live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium.

As the bout approaches, “Legatron” looked back on the challenges that shaped his early years and how they ultimately set him on a path to greatness in Muay Thai.

He recalled:

“There are four of us siblings, and I’m the third one. Life was pretty tough for me. I worked in the fields, did farming, and dug up cassava with my parents.

“It was a bit difficult, but seeing my parents so tired really motivated me. So I tried to help them with everything at home – helping with the garden, the farm, the rice fields, everything, just like a kid would do back then.”

But while helping out on the farm brought in small contributions, the young Rungrawee knew there had to be a better path forward.

Even at a young age, he started searching for a better way to contribute, something that could offer more than pocket change and daily meals.

When he was 8, Rungrawee followed his brothers and friends into the local Muay Thai gym. At first, it was just something fun to try. But before long, it became something he couldn’t imagine leaving behind.

Rungrawee said:

“My journey in Muay Thai started when I saw my brothers practicing. So I asked to train with them, just to have something exciting to do.

“At first, I didn’t really like it that much, but the more I trained, the more I grew to love it.”

He made his fighting debut at a temple fair and walked away with just 150 baht – less than US$5.

From those rural shows, Rungrawee carved his name into the national circuit. After years of grinding through the provincial scene, he captured the 25th Isuzu Cup in 2015 – a major win that confirmed his place among Thailand’s most promising nak muay.

He reflected:

“Seeing how hard my parents struggled really pushed me to start Muay Thai. I wanted them to have an easier life, little by little, until now.”

Rungrawee Fights For His Family At ONE Fight Night 34

At ONE Fight Night 34, Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong’s experience and signature striking will be tested against Youssef Assouik, a European Champion whose dynamic style and relentless pressure have made him a rising force in the division.

With a possible ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title shot on the line, every moment inside Lumpinee’s hallowed ground on Friday could shape the future of the division. And for Rungrawee, it’s also a chance to return to the form that once made him one of the most feared names on the roster.

His journey in the world’s largest martial arts organization began at , where he outpointed in his debut. From there, he picked up wins over , , , and , establishing himself as a dangerous striker with world-class technique.

His momentum stalled after a knockout defeat to at in last November, a tough blow that might have broken others.

But for Rungrawee, it only sharpened his focus to chase the richest prize, just like reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion , ONE featherweight Muay Thai king , and former ONE flyweight Muay Thai titleholder – the Thai heroes who inspired him.

He said:

“I admired Rodtang, Superlek, Tawanchai, and how they became famous worldwide. They can make a lot of money and win bonuses.

“I’m really proud of myself that I’ve been able to compete in ONE.

Returning to Lumpinee Stadium carries weight far beyond a single bout. It’s where Rungrawee can show that he still belongs at the top and continue fulfilling the mission that began in Ubon.

While the battle on Friday holds massive implications for his World Title aspirations, it is also a moment to represent the people who raised him, believed in him, and continue to inspire him every time he steps into the ring.

The Sitsongpeenong star said:

“I fight for my family, for my roots. Every time I step into [ONE Championship], I carry Ubon with me.”