Kongthoranee Sor Sommai had his first Muay Thai fight at Rajadamnern Stadium in 2014. By that time, his upcoming opponent Nong-O Hama had already spent a decade in the sport and claimed multiple Lumpinee Stadium titles.
Needless to say, Kongthoranee will be play two roles when they meet this Saturday, February 8 — that of a fan looking up to his hero and that of a young fighter trying to outdo a legend of Muay Thai.
The two Thais will throw down in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 28 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. There, Kongthoranee will welcome Nong-O to ONE Championship’s flyweight Muay Thai division.
“When I found out I was going to fight Nong-O, a former World Champion, I was excited because I didn’t expect to face him. Before, he was in the bantamweight division. But when he moved down to flyweight, I was so happy to have the chance to fight with a legend,” he said.
Nong-O dropped down to flyweight after suffering a series of losses to fighters much bigger than himself. No stranger to the 135-pound division, though, Nong-O could still present a significant challenge for Kongthoranee, and the Sor Sommai fighter knows it.
“I think Nong-O’s decline is because he fought bigger fighters than him,” Kongthoranee said. “That’s probably why he moved down to this division. Even though he dropped down, I believe he can still punch and kick as hard as ever.”
But Kongthoranee will be ready for his compatriot when the bell rings.
“Nong-O’s strength is his aggressive kicking style,” he added. “But now, I’ve studied him very well. Everything about his game is in my head. My advantage, besides being younger, is probably my speed.”
Could Kongthoranee Sor Sommai Be Next In Line For Title Shot?
There’s much more to this fight than the potential passing of the torch.
Not long ago, ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon was stripped of the strap for failing to make weight. This left everyone in the division scrambling for dibs on the belt.
Kongthoranee currently occupies the number four spot in ONE Championship’s flyweight rankings. If he beats Nong-O, he holds down his position and makes a case as the next potential challenger.
“Having the flyweight title vacated was a big motivation for me,” Kongthoranee said. “I want to park in this empty parking lot, especially after I saw Nabil (Anane) win the interim (bantamweight) belt. I was happy for him and want to do the same.”