‘The Ultimate Turning Point’ – Kongthoranee Ready To Flip The Script In Kickboxing Debut At The Inner Circle 32
Three-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongthoranee Sor Sommai is fired up to flip the switch on a brand-new chapter of his illustrious martial arts career.
The Thai star makes his highly anticipated kickboxing debut against Chinese standout Yuan Pengjie in the flyweight co-main event of The Inner Circle 32. This thrilling clash broadcasts live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium, exclusively for subscribers at live.onefc.com, on Friday, September 25.
Kongthoranee opened his ONE Championship tenure with an incredible 11 victories in his first 13 outings, a blistering start by any measure.
While his recent form has cooled off, none of those setbacks have shaken his unwavering belief in what he still has to offer on the global stage.
The 29-year-old reflected:
“Being on a four-fight losing streak hasn’t really affected me too much mentally. Losing is just part of the sport. As long as I give it everything I’ve got, that’s what matters.
“Personally, I’m just pushing myself as hard as I can right now to do whatever it takes to get back in the win column. I’ve gone back and rewatched my performances, and I’m actively working to fix those gaps and sharpen my skills.”
Sometimes, the absolute best way to reset is to try something entirely new, and that is exactly the approach Kongthoranee has taken heading into this crucial matchup.
He has genuinely enjoyed the transition into kickboxing thus far, though old habits — as the saying goes — tend to die hard.
The Sor Sommai representative explained:
“Kickboxing might suit my fighting style well. I’m a technical fighter who naturally likes to throw kicks and work combinations, so I figured I’d give this new rule set a shot.
“But I’m definitely a bit nervous, mostly worried I might accidentally throw a knee or an elbow out of habit. However, training kickboxing is pretty much the same foundation, but I’ve had to really focus on ramping up my speed and agility.”
To properly smooth out that transition, the Thai veteran has looked toward one of the finest examples of a Muay Thai specialist making himself right at home under kickboxing rules: reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty.
The British superstar, who defends his crown against Hiroki Akimoto in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 4 next month, has gone a perfect 3-0 in the discipline since making the switch. Kongthoranee sees no better blueprint to study as he navigates his own transition.
He added:
“I’ve been studying Jonathan Haggerty’s style. He’s super fast and switches up his weapons seamlessly. I’ve been watching tape on him and trying to incorporate those elements into my own game.
“I have a much clearer understanding of what I need to do inside the ring now. I believe kickboxing demands way more speed and mobility than Muay Thai.”
Kongthoranee To Bring The Heat Against Yuan Pengjie
Speed and mobility are far from the only weapons Kongthoranee Sor Sommai plans on bringing to Lumpinee Stadium at The Inner Circle 32.
The multi-time World Champion has heard the lingering criticism from fans regarding his lack of combinations, and he fully intends to answer it in bulk against a Chinese standout who enters with a perfect 2-0 promotional record.
The Thai star continued:
“Many people point out that I don’t throw enough combinations, so I’ve made it a priority to [throw] a lot more volume in this fight. I’ve been drilling heavy combination work to build that muscle memory, and hopefully, I can pull it off in the ring on fight night.
“Yuan Pengjie is a fast, highly technical striker, and kickboxing is his main element. His most dangerous assets are definitely his speed and his overall kickboxing IQ.”
That focused preparation extends well beyond the technical breakdown. This co-main event carries deep personal weight, directly tied to reclaiming the dominant version of himself that opened his ONE run.
Word has also reached the Thai camp that Yuan Pengjie may be viewing this matchup as little more than a stepping stone on his way to a lucrative contract.
However, Kongthoranee has absolutely no intention of playing along.
He said:
“Beating Yuan Pengjie would mean the world to me. Getting that win back is something I’ve been waiting for a long time, and I hope it serves as the ultimate turning point for my career.
“I know he wants to beat me to get that ONE contract, but there is no way I’m letting that happen. I won’t make it easy for him. He’s not getting through me that easily.”
