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Scottish forward ends a five-fight winning streak under the ONE organization with a head kick victory over Rambong at ONE Friday Fights 128

Stephen Irvine’s vision of competing in ONE Championship was finally realized during ONE Friday Fights 128 in Bangkok last night.

A 25-year-old Scottish fighter obtained a US$100,000 deal with ONE following an impressive first-round head-kick victory over Rambong in the 130lbs Muay Thai main event at Lumpinee Stadium.

It marked Irvine’s fifth consecutive victory under the ONE banner — and his fourth overall placement — raising his tally to seven wins out of eight bouts since he made his debut in June 2023.

Under the guidance of coach JP Gallacher, along with ONE featherweight contender Nico Carrillo, Irvine had been striving for a full-time contract for over two years. When commentator Mitch Chilson informed him in the ring that chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong had finally approved it, the surge of emotion was evident.

Previously, Chilson had given Irvine a 350,000 baht performance bonus – but the main reward arrived shortly after.

Thank you very much, Chatri,” he said. “I tend to get excited when I’m here and forget to express my gratitude. Not only for these rewards and chances, but for keeping my dream alive. For a long time, I was wondering, ‘What am I doing?’ I didn’t think I’d earn a lot of money through Muay Thai – but ONE Championship made that possible.

Gallacher and Carillo leaped over the ropes to join their teammate in celebration following Rambong’s unexpected elimination 14 seconds before the first round concluded.

It’s something I’ve always done throughout my career,” Irvine said about the technique. “Now that I’m using the small gloves, I had somewhat forgotten about it – but I returned to my basics. We were working on it all season, and naturally Nico Carrillo made the decisive shot as he usually does.

The victory represents another significant achievement for the Scottish group, who have kept making an impact within ONE’s Muay Thai division. Carrillo was unable to claim the interim bantamweight title earlier this year but has stepped up a weight class and now appears ready to pursue a championship title in 2026.

Gallacher, a childhood friend of Carrillo and Irvine, stated to the Bangkok Post on Monday morning that he “can’t express his happiness in words.”

It’s a huge relief off my chest,” he added. “It’s just been me, Nico, and Stevie for a long time now since we were young kids.

Watching everything come together after all those years encouraging them to leave their jobs and commit to this full-time, promising that we would make it work and reach the big league… To witness it turning into reality, with both of them now signed to ONE, I truly can’t put the feeling of relief into words.

Meanwhile, Irvine has already set his eyes on continuing in his teammate’s path.

I’m coming for everything – the strawweight class, not the flyweight,” he stated. “I’m going to be the king. Trust me.

Returning to Scotland, a five-month-old daughter will witness her father’s dream coming to life.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).