IN PHOTOS | Kongthoranee Sor Sommai Training For Tagir Khalilov At ONE 169

Can the 27-year-old inch closer to the top-five rankings with a win over Tagir Khalilov?

Kongthoranee Sor Sommai went on a relentless seven-fight winning streak in ONE Championship before falling to Superlek Kiatmoo9 in June of 2024.

Now, the 27-year-old Thai is looking to kickstart another solid streak of victories beginning at ONE 169 on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

There, he takes on Tagir Khalilov of Russia in what will be a flyweight Muay Thai banger. Both men love to trade hard and fast shots, so fans shouldn’t expect this one to go the distance.

With a victory, Kongthoranee would not only bounce back from his devastating loss to Superlek, but prove that he belongs among the elite fighters of the flyweight division.

After all, Khalilov has been around the block a few times. He also fought and lost to Superlek. He did, however, drag Rodtang Jitmuangnon through three furious rounds to drop a split decision.

Kongthoranee Sor Sommai Wants “Top-Five Ranked” Flyweight After Tagir Khalilov

Kongthoranee Sor Sommai is promising to defeat Tagir Khalilov at ONE 169 in exciting fashion. And after he does that, he wants to get right back in the ring with ONE Championship’s best flyweights.

“The fight should end with style. I’m feeling confident. Not only that, if I can win impressively, they will give me a chance to fight against a top-five ranked opponent in the future. I have no problem fighting them because I fought against a top guy like Superlek already. I’m not afraid of anyone anymore,” Kongthoranee said.

There’s no shortage of talent awaiting Kongthoranee in the flyweight division. From spot number one to spot number five, respectively, sits Superlek Kiatmoo9, followed by Denis Puric, Jacob Smith, Nakrob Fairtex, and Elias Mahmoudi.

In order to get a top-fiver next, though, Kongthoranee has to get past Khalilov. But the way he sees it, he’ll have all the tools to defeat Khalilov despite his opponent’s experience.

“My advantages should be the Muay Thai weapons that give me an advantage over him,” Kongthoranee said. “I have more experience in Muay Thai, but my experience when it comes to fighting against elite fighters is probably less than him because he’s fought with Superlek and Yodlekpetch [Or AtcharIya]. That’s why I can’t underestimate him.”

Tickets for ONE 169 are available at Thai Ticket Major.

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