‘I Needed More Power’ – Inside Nong-O’s Relentless Evolution Ahead Of Asadula Imangazaliev Showdown At ONE Friday Fights 147

Nong-O Hama stands as a living legend in the world of Muay Thai. For nearly two decades, the Thai icon has dominated “the art of eight limbs” across the globe, capturing almost every major accolade the sport has to offer.

Following the loss of his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title to Jonathan “The General” Haggerty, the 39-year-old made a calculated, career-altering decision. He moved down to the flyweight ranks in pursuit of a second ONE World Title reign.

That pursuit reaches its climax on March 20. Nong-O collides with undefeated 22-year-old Russian phenom Asadula Imangazaliev for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 147, broadcasting live in Asia primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Competing at a lighter weight class has revitalized the Thai icon.

There is a renewed spring in his step. He looks 10 years younger, showcasing terrifying speed and unyielding strength. The divisional shift reignited his competitive fire, sharpened his fight IQ, and narrowed his focus entirely on claiming 26 pounds of gold.

The Superbon Training Camp representative is making another epic run at World Championship glory, confident he possesses the tools to halt the momentum of his surging Russian adversary.

Nong-O said:

“Since dropping down to the flyweight division, I feel much more agile. It feels like I’m finally facing opponents who are a similar size and build to me.

“Even as I approach 40, my mindset hasn’t changed. I’m just as hungry and focused as I’ve ever been. My heart and body are 100 percent ready. I hope this will be a defining fight for me in the late stages of my career.”

A split-decision loss to Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at ONE Fight Night 28 a year ago served as a wake-up call, sending Nong-O straight back to the gym to retool his approach.

That dedication paid off at ONE Fight Night 31, where he delivered a striking masterclass to defeat his younger compatriot by unanimous decision in their rematch.

Even in victory, he recognized a flaw in his armor and returned to the gym with a singular mission: to restore the lightning in his fists and the thunder in his kicks.

He believes he now has the weapons to achieve two-division glory in ONE:

“After my first two fights at flyweight, I realized I needed to work on the impact of my strikes. I needed more power in my punches and kicks.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve competed at this weight, so my power wasn’t quite at 100 percent yet. I’ve been focusing heavily on strengthening those weapons for this camp.”

Nong-O Ready To Make History Against An Undefeated Phenom

Nong-O has been preparing for his shot at the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title since the historic ONE 173 event in Tokyo last November.

He was scheduled to face Thai megastar “The Iron Man” Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the divisional throne in one of the most anticipated Muay Thai showdowns of this generation.

The bout was canceled at the eleventh hour, leaving him without an opponent and without a chance at gold. The setback never broke his legendary discipline. He stayed sharp, knowing the call could come at any moment:

“Previously, I was scheduled to fight Rodtang for the vacant title, but that was canceled. It was disappointing because I prepared so well, but the cold weather in Japan made it tough. It made managing the hydration much harder than usual.

“After returning from Japan, I stayed in the gym and kept my body moving, just waiting for the call. I do this because I truly love [Muay Thai]. I have to train and take care of my body constantly because this is my life, and I’ve always held onto the hope of becoming a World Champion again.”

Nong-O finds himself in a familiar situation, standing on the precipice of history. He plans to unleash his complete, evolved arsenal against Imangazaliev, blending his newfound speed, decades of elite experience, and restored knockout power.

Securing this monumental feat against an undefeated Dagestani star demands an absolute masterpiece. Nong-O is fully prepared to pour everything into the ring one more time.

He said:

“I was thrilled when I found out I’d be fighting Asadula for the belt. I’d already spoken with [ONE Chairman and CEO] Chatri [Sityodtong] and the team, and they promised me another shot [at the World Title]. I knew the opportunity would come because I’ve stayed in shape and kept my performance levels high. I’m always ready.”