Thai Superstar Panpayak Jitmuangnon Shines in Epic Showdown Against Silviu Vitez

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.