When ONE Championship’s strawweight Muay Thai king Joseph Lasiri challenges reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the belt on Friday night, he’ll be fighting for more than just himself.

The Italian-born striker knows an upset victory over the seemingly invincible “Iron Man” in the ONE on Prime Video 4 co-main event would inspire his teammates, his community, and fans all across the globe, and that is what’s primarily motivating him ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

Lasiri claimed the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title on the strength of a sensational three-fight winning streak, capped by an epic underdog defeat of then-champion Pranjanchai PK.Saenchai at ONE 157 in May.

Josef Lasiri plans to get noted by everyone after his victory

Now, “The Hurricane” looks to add another chapter to his Cinderella story against Rodtang, knowing another victory will serve as a beacon of hope to the people in his circle.

“What I’m really looking forward to is going there to do my job, and make it an opportunity to be an inspiration for my team, my family, and the people around me. Because they said the sad thing is, sometimes you can be an inspiration only when you bring [back] the gold. When you don’t bring [back] the gold, sometimes the people forget you, but it’s not my problem,” Lasiri offered.

READ MORE – Rodtang Jitmuagnon Commends Joseph Lasiri’s “Determination to Challenge Himself” in Strawweight Division”

“But if I bring [back] the gold, I am sure more people will listen to me, my story, and my hard work, so I want that. I want to win this belt and challenge myself first, and be proud of myself, and try everything, to make it as an opportunity to be an inspiration to all the people who follow me.”

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Lasiri: He aims to achieve his dream against Rodtang Jitmuangnon

The Milan native knows it will be a difficult task, as Rodtang has never lost a Muay Thai or kickboxing fight in his ONE Championship run. As he prepares his body and mind for a shot at two-division glory, Lasiri is hoping to repeat the gritty performance he put on to win strawweight gold, forcing one of the world’s top pound-for-pound strikers to quit on the stool.

READ MORE – “I Would Like To Finish This Fight Striking” – Saygid Izagakhmaev Eyes a Knockout Victory Over Japanese MMA Legend, Shinya Aoki

“My beautiful dream is when I see Rodtang, like fight Rodtang, and it will be like Prajanchai,” the Italian said. “He comes back in the corner and he doesn’t come back to do the next round. This is my best dream, and I see it many times.”

Fans in North America can watch live and for free with an Amazon Prime subscription and see for themselves if Lasiri’s vision comes true on Friday night.