Kongthoranee Sor Sommai vows redemption at ONE Fight Night 39: “Get back up and fight again”

Two straight losses put Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in unfamiliar territory. The Thai veteran has never experienced this kind of adversity in ONE Championship.

Now he faces undefeated Russian destroyer Asadula Imangazaliev in the ONE Fight Night 39 co-main event on Friday, January 23, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The event broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Amazon Prime Video.

Kongthoranee carries a 72-18 career record and two Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Championships on his resume. But recent defeats to Nong-O Hama and Aslamjon Ortikov have critics questioning whether younger fighters represent the division’s future. The loss to Ortikov particularly stung after getting dropped in the second round. That knockdown secured the Uzbek’s unanimous decision victory and pushed Kongthoranee’s promotional record to 11-4.

The 28-year-old Thai striker refuses to accept the narrative that his best days are behind him. He’s using the pain of consecutive defeats as fuel rather than letting it break his spirit.

“Losing to Aslamjon left me disappointed and full of regret because we couldn’t secure the win,” he said. “But it’s okay, I’m ready to get back up and fight again.”

Kongthoranee Sor Sommai faces dangerous undefeated challenger

Kongthoranee Sor Sommai knows exactly what’s at stake. Standing across from him is a 22-year-old phenom who represents everything he’s fighting against becoming — a veteran used to build up the next generation.

Imangazaliev brings a perfect 10-0 striking record into his U.S. primetime debut. Also, the Team Mehdi Zatout representative has collected five knockout victories in ONE Championship, establishing himself as an unpredictable finisher. His arsenal includes flashy spinning attacks, devastating punches, and explosive kicks that can end fights from anywhere.

The Russian’s most recent performance sent shockwaves through the division. He connected with a clinical head kick that flatlined legendary Thai striker Panpayak Jitmuangnon in August 2025. That finish earned him a six-figure contract and positioned him for a rankings jump.

The pressure weighs heavy on Kongthoranee. But he’s channeling that weight into motivation rather than letting it crush him. For a fighter who has spent his career winning more often than losing, consecutive defeats represent uncharted territory that demanded significant changes.

“Coming off two straight losses, I definitely feel the pressure,” he said. “I’ve never lost back-to-back before. Having lost two in a row makes me never want to feel that way again. It’s become the motivation that drives me to train harder and push myself further.

“I refuse to be a stepping stone for him. I’m giving this everything I’ve got. I don’t know who will win or lose, but I’m coming to fight 100 percent. I am determined to redeem myself. I don’t want a third loss. You’re going to see a ‘new version’ of Kongthoranee.”