5 Things To Know About ONE Friday Fights Contract Winner Kongthoranee
Kongthoranee Sor Sommai changed his life at ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian II.
On April 5, the Thai rising star defeated Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonbur via decision after three thrilling rounds at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, and he was rewarded with a lucrative six-figure contract to compete on ONE’s global roster.
Kongthoranee has been one of the standout performers at ONE’s weekly events in Asia primetime, and he’ll have even more opportunities to impress going forward. Before his next fight is announced, here are five things to know about the 27-year-old phenom.
#1 He’s Riding A Massive Winning Streak
The main reason Kongthoranee earned a six-figure contract is his incredible run of success.
The Sor Sommai representative has won eight of his nine ONE Friday Fights appearances, with seven consecutive victories over some elite rivals.
When you’re up against that level of opposition every time, even back-to-back wins aren’t easy to come by, but seven in a row is a phenomenal achievement.
Consistency has been the key for Kongthoranee, with all of those matchups coming in the past 14 months.
#2 He’s Held Some Of The Biggest Accolades In Muay Thai
Before stepping onto the global stage of ONE Championship, Kongthoranee was a force on the elite Muay Thai circuit in Bangkok.
The Petchabun native has competed in all of the sport’s most iconic venues, and he enjoyed his greatest success at Rajadamnern Stadium, where he was a two-division World Champion.
He also won the coveted PAT Thailand Championship at Omnoi Stadium, again proving his worth among the best in “the art of eight limbs.”
#3 He’s Beaten Top-Ranked Fighters
Kongthoranee hasn’t had an easy path to seven straight wins in ONE.
He’s faced tough opponent after tough opponent, such as his compatriots ET TDed99, Gingsanglek Tor Laksong, and Jaosuayai, and international names like Sherzod Kabutov and Parsa Aminpour.
His most notable victory in ONE came against Taiki “Silent Sniper” Naito, who was the #4-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender when they met last October and now stands at #3 in the flyweight kickboxing ranks.
#4 He Has Punishing Power
Kongthoranee’s devastating power has propelled him to this position.
The southpaw slugger has claimed three knockout wins in ONE, which is evidence enough of his bout-ending potential. But he’s also scored knockdowns against many of the opponents in his decision victories.
Previously known as a technical muay femur-style striker, Kongthoranee adopted a more intense approach when he started competing in smaller 4-ounce gloves under ONE’s Muay Thai rule set.
This has translated into the constant threat of damage from his fiery fists and has made him one of the most entertaining competitors on the roster.
#5 He Has A Big Heart
Another major factor in Kongthoranee’s success has been his courage.
The Thai has tasted the canvas in several of his epic ONE Friday Fights battles, but those knockdowns have always motivated him to come back stronger.
As well as providing a huge amount of drama and excitement every time he steps into the ring, Kongthoranee’s ability to drag himself off the ground and charge forward in search of a victory has won the hearts of fans.
One thing is for certain – the North American audience is in for a treat whenever Kongthoranee brings his style to U.S. primetime.
