Three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion Akram "La Pepite" Hamidi has spent years testing his blistering speed and technical brilliance against some of Muay Thai's most accomplished warriors.
Now, the French-Algerian sensation believes he has found the perfect division to unleash his full potential.
On Friday, October 30, Hamidi will make his atomweight Muay Thai debut against former ONE World Title challenger Numsurin Chor Ketwina in the main event of The Inner Circle 36 at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium, airing live in Asia primetime for members at live.onefc.com .
The 27-year-old is determined to build on his successful comeback earlier this year and establish himself as a serious threat to reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka Yoshinari . And he believes competing at his natural weight could make all the difference.
Hamidi told onefc.com:
"I think this is my real weight class. Before, I fought at 57 kilograms, and it was a little too heavy for me. Atomweight is my real weight class, and I feel good."
Photo Credit: ONE Championship
With an impressive 55-6 professional record, Hamidi has already shared the ring with legendary former ONE World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai Pongsuphan PK .
But following a knockout defeat to Sam-A in September 2024, the Team Valente representative stepped away from competition before returning against Thai standout Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen at ONE Friday Fights 164 this past July.
Hamidi was dropped by a sharp left hook from Watcharaphon in the opening round, but he immediately answered with a right hook of his own before taking control through his diverse striking arsenal.
He believes that first outing back helped restore his fighting rhythm. He even suspects he could have delivered a more decisive result had he remained active.
He said:
"It was a comeback fight, and I won. I think if I hadn't taken such a long break, I could have knocked him out.
"But it was a good fight for my return. I felt good, and it helped give me more confidence for my next fight."
But Hamidi's ambitions extend well beyond regaining his winning rhythm. With a fresh opportunity in the atomweight division, he has already set his sights on reigning champion Nadaka.
Still, he knows that defeating Numsurin must come first.
He said:
"First, I'm focused on this fight. Then I'm going to snatch the title from Nadaka."
Photo credit: ONE Championship
Numsurin Chor Ketwina presents a formidable first test for Akram Hamidi in the atomweight Muay Thai division.
The 31-year-old Thai technician earned a US$100,000 main roster contract through six consecutive victories on ONE's weekly series before challenging Nadaka for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 173 last November.
Although Numsurin fell short after five competitive rounds, his performance established him among the division's leading contenders. And after defeating fellow former World Title challenger Songchainoi Kiatsongrit in June, the Thai veteran is once again pursuing championship glory.
Hamidi respects the challenge but believes he possesses the versatility to match his opponent's dangerous arsenal.
He said:
"Numsurin is a very good fighter. He's well-rounded and has good boxing.
"He's good with his hands and his kicks."
The upcoming encounter promises an intriguing tactical battle between two highly skilled strikers. Numsurin has vowed to pressure Hamidi from the opening bell, believing his precise boxing combinations and relentless aggression can disrupt the French-Algerian's rhythm.
But Hamidi has built his reputation on lightning-fast combinations, unpredictable attacks, and the ability to adapt during heated exchanges. Defeating a former World Title challenger could also strengthen his case for a future showdown with reigning divisional king Nadaka.
And when asked whether he had identified any vulnerabilities in his upcoming opponent, Hamidi offered a short but confident response.
He said:
"As for his weaknesses, I'll discover them in the ring."
Photo credit: ONE Championship
