“My only concern was when I would be able to fight again after my suspension, not whether I would be fighting for a title or not,” he told the Post.
His reputation was severely damaged last year after he tested positive for the banned anabolic steroids methenolone and boldenone.
Pettanon accepted the suspension but denied knowingly using a banned substance, claiming he had been out of action for eight months when he failed the test and that his doctor had banned him from using steroids to treat a recurring elbow injury.
“Looking back, I'm still angry, but it's a lesson. I should have studied more about the rules and regulations and learned from my mistake,” he added.
“There are rules and regulations everywhere and it all depends on how well you understand them. We can't go back and fix it so we have to learn from this history.”
Pettanong's opponent on Friday is also a former bantamweight kickboxing champion returning from suspension.
Ramazanov faced off in the ring against Jonathan Haggerty, who had just defeated Fabricio Andrade and was subsequently suspended for six months.
Haggerty holds the kickboxing bantamweight belt and while Pettanong says he doesn't plan on challenging for a title fight anytime soon, the 38-year-old is hoping the opportunity arises sooner rather than later.
“Haggerty is really strong in both Muay Thai and kickboxing,” Pettanon said. “Obviously, he's number one, so everyone wants to fight him.”
Haggerty is scheduled to defend his bantamweight Muay Thai belt against Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168 in September, but has also spoken openly about his desire to switch to MMA and win a title in a third sport.
In the circumstances, Pettanong said he felt ONE Championship needed to take action.
“Haggerty is interested in MMA and already has belts in Muay Thai and kickboxing, so the interim belt makes sense,” Pettanon said. “It would take a long time for him to fight in three different rules. With the interim belt, we don't have to keep waiting for him.”
