One of the many intriguing matchups on the lineup at ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov this weekend is a featherweight Muay Thai bout featuring #5-ranked contender Luke “The Chef” Lessei squaring off against French native Bampara Kouyate. All the action will emanate from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand this Friday, July 5, and will broadcast live on US primetime.

Since his debut at ONE Championship, Luke Lessei has continuously impressed fans with his performances. However, many don’t know how one message from Chatri Sityodtong changed Lessei’s journey a few years back.

How did a message from Sityodtong shape Luke Lessei’s career?

A video uploaded by ONE Championship’s Instagram page features screenshots of a direct message from Chatri Sityodtong expressing his interest in signing Lessei. The message, which was a complete surprise to Lessei, reads:” You’re talented, Luke. I’ve asked my team to sign you this week! Welcome to the world’s largest stage of martial arts!“

Unable to contain his disbelief, Lessei replied, “Sir!!! Is this real?!? Please be real!” Sityodtong then reassured him with a final message: It’s your time to SHINE on the world’s largest stage of martial arts!” 

Soon, the 28-year-old Luke Lessei would kick off his ONE Championship career against top-ranked Jo Nattawut at ONE Fight Night 17 in December 2023. Although he lost, it was his toe-to-toe performance against Nattawut that truly won over the hearts of the audience.

Following that, he faced fellow American fighter Eddie Abasolo at ONE Fight Night 19 two months later. This time around, where he secured another win via unanimous decision. Now, Luke Lessei looks to replicate that success at ONE Fight Night 23 against another dangerous opponent in Kouyate. 

Fans react to Chatri Sityodtong’s message to Lessei

Feeling thrilled to see the debut story of Luke Lessei, fans did not shy away from showing their excitement at seeing “The Chef” in the ring once again at ONE Fight Night 23. One fan motivated Luke Lessei by commenting, “Let’s go @lukethechef_ make all us skinny boys proud,” while another appreciated his fighting style, saying, “One of the most entertaining fighters out there. Keep doin’ your damn thing, Chef.”

Meanwhile, one fan asked ONE to arrange a Muay Thai fight between Luke Lessei and Rodtang Jitmuangnon, expressing his feelings by commenting, “I’ve seen enough give him Rodtang.” This was followed by another positive comment, “Amazing brother you deserve it all.” Lastly, one fan appreciated how the reel gave a snippet of Lessei’s journey so far, saying: “Props to whoever makes these.”

With all these positive comments, we now have to see if they will motivate Luke Lessei to continue his inspiring journey against the towering Bampara Kouyate in the upcoming ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov. Stay tuned for further updates.