Kongthoranee Vs. Nong-O II: 4 Keys To Victory In Flyweight Muay Thai Rematch At ONE Fight Night 31
The main event of ONE Fight Night 31 on Prime Video will see two of the planet’s most talented Muay Thai fighters throw down at Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium for the second time in three months.
On May 2 in U.S. primetime, former long-reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama will seek revenge against his Thai compatriot Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in a flyweight Muay Thai tilt that promises heart-pounding action and technical brilliance.
After Kongthoranee secured a hard-fought and closely contested split-decision victory over Nong-O at ONE Fight Night 28, the latter immediately sought a rematch.
While another win for the #3-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender would solidify his place among the division’s top names, the 38-year-old Nong-O is looking to jump the queue and earn another crack at 26 pounds of ONE gold.
With the stage set for another war in Bangkok, we dive into each athlete’s keys to victory.
#1 Nong-O Avoiding The Left Hand
Although he was undoubtedly aware of his foe’s signature left hand, Nong-O was tagged with that strike at an alarming rate in the first fight. He can’t afford to let this happen in the rematch.
With that in mind, the former bantamweight titleholder must be diligent and disciplined with his footwork and consistently circle to his left.
What’s more, when he unleashes his own combinations, he must exit the pocket at a variety of angles in order to avoid the counter left hand that will be coming his way.
These small but critical tactical adjustments should work against Kongthoranee’s most dangerous weapon.
#2 Kongthoranee’s Continued Counter-Striking Excellence
Because he emerged victorious in the first encounter, Kongthoranee would be wise to follow the same strategies that led to success and lean heavily on his venomous counter-striking.
The Sor Sommai product racked up big damage points with his counter left hand as Nong-O advanced, and this strike will likely remain the focal point of his game plan in the rematch.
This counter-striking style perfectly complements Kongthoranee’s pressure-oriented footwork, which works to draw out attacks from his adversary.
#3 Nong-O’s Leg Kicks
Nong-O has built much of his legendary reputation on the strength of his thunderous kicking game, and in his first bout with Kongthoranee, he enjoyed some early moments of success with leg kicks.
By returning to this strategy and increasing the volume of leg kicks, he could disrupt the 28-year-old’s rhythm, slow his movement, and rob him of his dangerous counter-striking power.
Leg kicks will also create openings for Nong-O to land big shots upstairs and, quite possibly, a knockout blow.
#4 Kongthoranee’s Unshakable Composure
Given his opponent’s status as a Muay Thai icon and his lengthy list of career accomplishments, Kongthoranee should expect Nong-O to come into the rematch with a revised and crafty game plan.
Kongthoranee must maintain his composure in the face of any surprises, and if he finds himself in trouble, he needs to stay focused and disciplined.
His mental toughness helped him weather moments of difficulty in the first clash. That same resilience will be critical against a Nong-O who is determined to achieve redemption at ONE Fight Night 31.
