Eddie Abasolo Talks Muay Thai Flow!

When you think of “slick,” “crafty,” and “unpredictable,” there’s one name that stands out in the ONE Championship Muay Thai world: Eddie Abasolo.

Known for his unique, almost unbreakable flow, Abasolo has redefined the approach to fighting for countless Western Muay Thai enthusiasts and fighters.

In this interview, we dive deep into his mind, uncovering the techniques, mindset, and work ethic that have made him a fan favorite—and a nightmare for opponents.

Whether you’re a seasoned fighter looking for inspiration or a fan of Abasolo’s creative fight style, get ready for an inside look into the world of a true Muay Thai innovator…

Don Heatrick · Muay Thai Performance Coachby Don Heatrick
@donheatrick

Guest Links

To keep up with Eddie’s journey, follow him on Instagram @eddie_abasolo_show https://www.instagram.com/eddie_abasolo_show where he shares a closer look at his training, mindset, and life as a fighter. And check out his California training ground at theresistancefc.com https://www.theresistancefc.com/

And of course don’t forget to check out Eddie Abasolo vs Mohamed Younes Rabah on November 8, 2024, at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium for ONE 169. Watch ONE Championship fights here! https://www.onefc.com/

Show notes for this episode with further references and resources below!

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Episode Summary

The Role of Quality Opponents

Eddie Abasolo believes that facing quality opponents draws out unexpected abilities. Eddie Abasolo, with his sharp instincts and fluidity in movement, shares how challenging rivals reveal strengths he didn’t know he possessed.

This process is what Eddie craves in his Muay Thai journey, and he emphasizes that an opponent’s toughness doesn’t intimidate him; it excites him. Each fight becomes an exploration, a question: What new version of myself will emerge?

Muay Thai’s Impact on Eddie Abasolo’s Early Life

Eddie’s journey in Muay Thai wasn’t pre-planned. With a background in basketball, he stumbled into the art unexpectedly. But once Muay Thai entered his life, it gave him discipline and direction—enough to quit smoking and transform his lifestyle.

Eddie’s Muay Thai origins were humble: a tiny training corner within a Taekwondo gym. He had no idea it would become the calling he couldn’t ignore, building him into a true artist in the ring.

The Value of Strong Role Models in Muay Thai

As Eddie grew within the sport, he drew inspiration from fellow fighters in the gym and iconic characters he admired from movies and games. Just as Street Fighter’s Sagat once sparked his imagination, the skilled fighters in his gym fueled his drive.

These role models formed a foundation for Eddie’s competitive spirit, making him want to excel beyond his peers and establish his own identity in Muay Thai.

How Early Setbacks Built Eddie Abasolo’s Resilience

Every fighter faces setbacks; Eddie’s came early in his career. In his first competition, he boldly invited friends and family, only to face a painful, early defeat. Yet, instead of discouraging him, this experience fueled his resolve.

Rather than leaning on anyone, he embraced independence, and through “smokers” and smaller competitions, he developed a self-reliant fighting spirit. This drive became a turning point, forging the resilience that continues to define him in the ring.

Consistency is the Key to Eddie Abasolo’s Success

Consistency isn’t just a training goal for Eddie—it’s a lifelong philosophy. Inspired by Samart’s advice to “never take more than two weeks off,” Eddie makes a deliberate effort to keep his blade sharp. For him, the art of Muay Thai requires constant practice, like a samurai honing his sword daily.

It’s this consistent, everyday work that he believes has separated him from those who might “blend in” with the crowd. The regular grind, Eddie insists, is what allows a fighter to truly evolve.

Injuries as Unexpected Opportunities in Muay Thai

Injuries aren’t setbacks for Eddie; they’re learning opportunities. When one part of his body is out of commission, he doubles down on improving the rest. This practice has enabled him to round out his game, strengthening his less dominant techniques.

Eddie believes that injuries force fighters to “downshift,” a metaphor for adjusting focus to perfect the basics. Over time, this mindset has deepened his skill set, making him a more complete and adaptive fighter.

The Fun and Flow of Muay Thai

For Eddie, Muay Thai is more than a serious discipline; it’s a source of joy. He thrives in the “flow state” where every move feels natural, and where fun fuels his best performances. Maintaining this playful edge, Eddie argues, is essential for progress.

Fighters who overthink or approach training too rigidly lose the fluidity that makes their movements impactful. Embracing fun has been a game-changer, helping him access a state of relaxed focus that brings out his most creative self, almost like a daydream!

Channeling Fear to Unlock Potential

Eddie doesn’t fear tough opponents; he relishes the challenge. Fear, in his view, is a catalyst for growth. By leaning into it, Eddie taps into a surge of ability that would otherwise remain hidden. For Eddie, fear isn’t a hindrance; it’s a catalyst that helps him reach new levels of performance, and he encourages fighters to embrace it as a transformative force.

Muay Thai: A Passion Beyond Hobby

Muay Thai isn’t a pastime for Eddie—it’s a passion that influences every aspect of his life. He describes it like a relentless crush, occupying his thoughts and inspiring him daily. Other activities might hold his interest, but Muay Thai commands his full commitment. It’s this depth of devotion that allows Eddie to navigate the challenges of training and fighting, keeping him on the path even when things get difficult.

Consistency, Flow, and Commitment: Keys to Mastery

Through Eddie Abasolo’s journey, the principles of consistency, embracing challenges, and staying committed to the sport shine through. Fighters must go beyond simple techniques and strategies; they must develop a mindset rooted in resilience, adaptability, and passion. 

For Eddie, these qualities form the foundation of mastery, and they’re the very elements that he believes any fighter should cultivate to discover their own Muay Thai flow.

In the end, Eddie’s message is clear: build consistency, find joy in the journey, and harness challenges to become a better fighter. Embrace the process, stay sharp, and let Muay Thai become more than a sport—let it transform you.

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Episode Breakdown

Follow along with our conversation using these quick timestamps:

  • 00:00 Eddie “Silky Smooth” Abasolo Teaser!
  • 01:24 Accidental Muay Thai Fan: Sagat, Ong Bak, Bloodsport
  • 05:04 The First Competition Ripple Effect
  • 07:24 Taking Responsibility & Making It Happen
  • 09:15 The Real Secret: Consistency
  • 12:29 Evidence: Roles Are Reversed
  • 13:35 Injuries as Opportunities for Growth
  • 17:13 Fun and Flow: The Key to Peak Performance
  • 19:46 Harnessing Fear
  • 21:06 Optimism: The Foundation of a Fearless Mindset
  • 23:51 What Muay Thai “Passion” Is, And What It Does
  • 28:01 Muay Thai & Relating To All Walks of Life
  • 30:59 Life Is Like a Fight–You Need Self Belief
  • 33:47 Outro and Links!

Don Heatrick · Muay Thai Performance Coach

Don Heatrick

Founder of Heatrick Muay Thai Performance

Don Heatrick is a Level 4 Strength & Conditioning Coach and former pro Muay Thai fighter who helps practitioners turn limited training time into real Muay Thai performance gains.

With 25 years of Muay Thai coaching experience and an engineering background, he creates systematic, science-backed Muay Thai performance programs that cut through the confusion and deliver real progress without burnout. Learn more about Don’s approach →

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