‘Didn’t Impress Me At All’ – Kiamran Nabati Sees Clear Path To Victory Against Yod-IQ At The Inner Circle
Undefeated Russian striker Kiamran Nabati understands exactly what makes Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri so dangerous, but he remains completely unfazed by his opponent’s growing hype.
The Archangel Michel representative will square off with the surging Thai sensation in a high-stakes bantamweight Muay Thai main event at The Inner Circle on Friday, May 22, live in Asia primetime via live.onefc.com from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Nabati enters the clash carrying a flawless 22-0 professional record, including four victories in the world’s largest martial arts organization. While Yod-IQ presents a different stylistic challenge from his previous opponents, the Russian remains confident in his ability to break the Thai standout down.
The 31-year-old believes Yod-IQ’s movement, timing, and constant angle changes make him one of the most technically elusive fighters in the division.
He said:
“I think my opponent’s main difference is that, unlike my previous opponents, he’s much more mobile. He moves a lot, doesn’t fight going forward, and usually waits and reacts.
“What makes him dangerous is probably his movement. In my opinion, he’s very mobile, never stays in one place, and always changes angles after throwing strikes. I think the hardest part will be getting to his head.”
That challenge has shaped Nabati’s preparation heading into the matchup.
Known for his heavy pressure and polished boxing combinations, the Russian understands that many opponents attempt to neutralize his offense by constantly fighting on the back foot. Still, he remains convinced his striking approach will overwhelm Yod-IQ.
He explained:
“Yes, my opponents prepare specifically for my boxing. They tend to fight on the back foot, and that’s what my opponent is going to do as well.
“As far as I know, he brought in boxers as sparring partners, but I don’t think that’s going to help him.”
Despite Yod-IQ’s growing reputation and nine-bout winning streak, which includes victories over four Russian opponents, Nabati was far from blown away by the Thai star’s latest performance.
Last December at ONE Friday Fights 137, Yod-IQ earned a coveted six-figure contract to join ONE Championship’s global roster after knocking out Alexey Balyko with a lightning-fast head kick in the opening round.
Still, the undefeated Russian believes the circumstances surrounding that result played a major role in the outcome.
Nabati said:
“When he earned his contract in his previous fight against Alexey Balyko, Balyko had already been knocked out before that fight and simply hadn’t recovered yet.
“So that performance didn’t impress me at all. I don’t think he’ll be able to do the same thing to me.”
Nabati Eyes World Title Contention With Victory Over Yod-IQ
Beyond the stylistic clash, Kiamran Nabati believes his matchup with Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri at The Inner Circle on May 22 carries major implications for the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
The Thai star has established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters on the weekly spectacle, compiling a lengthy winning streak while earning victories over multiple Russian opponents along the way.
Now, Nabati has an opportunity to halt that momentum while simultaneously strengthening his own position in the division’s World Title picture.
He said:
“My opponent has beaten all of our Russian fighters. If I’m not mistaken, he’s currently on a nine-fight winning streak.
“So a victory over him would bring me closer to a title shot. It doesn’t matter who they give me next – I’m ready to fight anyone.”
That confidence has continued to grow throughout his time at Archangel Michel, where Nabati credits the elite training environment and constant competition for accelerating his development as a professional athlete.
Training alongside high-level talent at the renowned gym on a daily basis has helped sharpen both his technical skills and composure under pressure, qualities he believes will be crucial in the main event spotlight.
While the occasion marks another major spotlight moment in his ONE Championship career, Nabati insists he feels no added pressure heading into the headline attraction.
Instead, the Russian sees the assignment as another opportunity to showcase his skills on the global stage.
He concluded:
“I’m very happy that we’ll be headlining this event. There’s no extra responsibility and no pressure.
“Our job is to go out there, put on an exciting fight, and entertain the fans.”
