‘My Weapons And Striking Were Sharper’ – Kongthoranee Recaps Hard-Fought Win Over Nong-O
Top-five flyweight Muay Thai contender Kongthoranee Sor Sommai picked up the biggest win of his career at ONE Fight Night 28: Prajanchai vs. Barboza on Prime Video, where he scored a split-decision victory over former longtime bantamweight Muay Thai king Nong-O Hama.
That flyweight bout went down in U.S. primetime last Friday, February 7, and served as a showcase for two of Muay Thai’s most talented technical masters.
Battling in front of a packed house at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, the Thai stars traded blows at all ranges for three rounds of torrid action.
While Nong-O found success with his boxing, it was Kongthoranee who controlled much of the fight with piercing teeps, big kicks from long range, and vicious elbow strikes any time his adversary came close.
Given both the quality and quantity of strikes that he landed, the Sor Sommai product felt sure that he did enough to secure the judges’ decision. He told onefc.com:
“I was pretty confident before my name was announced because I felt like my weapons and my striking were sharper and [more] accurate.”
Indeed, Kongthoranee gave a rude welcome to the 38-year-old Nong-O, who was making his ONE flyweight debut.
An accomplished fighter in his own right, the 28-year-old said that he’s been watching the legendary veteran for many years:
“I have been a longtime fan of Nong-O. When I first started Muay Thai, I was already a fan of Nong-O.”
With the win, Kongthoranee improved to #3 in the talent-laden flyweight Muay Thai division and erased any doubts that he has the technique, fight IQ, and determination to defeat the planet’s best strikers.
The victory also extended his winning streak to three and put him in position for another high-stakes battle in his next outing.
Fresh off a win over a true Muay Thai icon, Kongthoranee was quick to thank his supporters:
“I would like to thank everyone. I would like to thank the fans and my family for the encouragement, for the support. And my team, of course, my gym, and everyone. Thank you so much.”
Kongthoranee Discusses Superlek, Potential Next Fights
Moving forward, Kongthoranee Sor Sommai has no shortage of potential intriguing matchups.
One of those is a possible rematch with current two-sport titleholder and #2-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Superlek Kiatmoo9. “The Kicking Machine” is next slated to defend his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title on March 23 at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, but he might then return to flyweight and challenge for the vacant throne.
Kongthoranee is another man who might receive a ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title shot – and he’s hungry to avenge his June 2024 loss to Superlek:
“Yes, I am ready. I know for sure that I will train very hard so that I can successfully have a win in the rematch.”
Even if he doesn’t get another crack at Superlek, the red-hot Kongthoranee is open to facing any man who will get him closer to his ultimate goal – the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
He added:
“I am here in ONE Championship to prove myself and to make sure that the fans around the world see how good I am. So, I am ready to face anyone who would take me to a [World Title shot], yes.”
