Nong-O Scores Redemption Over Kongthoranee In Fierce ONE Fight Night 31 Main Event
The lower the lows, the higher the highs – just ask Nong-O Hama, who, after two tumultuous years, found himself mid-ring flexing his arms in victory while the world tried to make sense of what they had just witnessed.
Nong-O took on budding rival Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in a flyweight Muay Thai rematch at ONE Fight Night 31 on Prime Video this past Friday, May 2, and this time, he reminded the man 10 years his junior why he is, was, and may always be one of the craftiest marksmen this generation has ever seen.
The two went toe-to-toe in the main event, which broadcast live in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Unlike in their first battle three months ago, where Kongthoranee emerged victorious by split decision, Nong-O shot the rising star right out of the sky.
The former eight-time ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion blitzed and punished his Thai compatriot right from the opening frame. Whenever Kongthoranee came within range, Nong-O cocked back and threw punches with the force of a pinball machine’s spring-loaded ball launcher.
Rattled, Kongthoranee had no choice but to take risks in round two. In the midst of a raging exchange, the Sor Sommai product exploded on Nong-O with a two-three punch combination that sounded just like it must’ve felt.
It sent the 38-year-old icon stumbling around the ring. But propped up against his own heart, Nong-O survived the onslaught and launched a comeback in the final stanza.
Nong-O continued to punish the 28-year-old with body kicks and punches while the latter painfully withered under the pressure of a man fighting for something bigger than himself.
When the final bell rang, Kongthoranee knew it, the thousands of fans inside Lumpinee Stadium knew it, and the judges at ringside knew it. Nong-O had not only captured the unanimous decision, but the icon proved he’s still one of the most dangerous strikers the Muay Thai world has ever seen.
With the victory, Nong-O might have also bumped Kongthoranee out of the #3 spot in the divisional rankings and made a case to challenge for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title. Plus, he earned a well-deserved US$50,000 bonus to bolster a career that has seen him go 267-58 under all-striking rules.
