Nong-O settles Kongthoranee trilogy and sets sights on flyweight Muay Thai gold

Nong-O Hama has shared a ring with the same man three times now, and at 39 years old, he just proved the rivalry was always going to end his way.

He defeated Kongthoranee Sor Sommai by unanimous decision in the deciding fight of their trilogy in the co-main event of The Inner Circle 20 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, June 26, improving his career record to 268-59. The series had been split one win apiece heading into the rubber match.

The former eight-time ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion dropped Kongthoranee for an eight-count in round one. Kongthoranee answered with a left hand that put Nong-O down in round three. Both men had been to the canvas by the time the judges rendered their decision.

“I’m really happy to get the win over Kongthoranee again. My main goal was to put on an exciting fight for the fans,” he said.

“Even if I had lost, I would have just gone back to the drawing board and trained even harder. Win or lose, it’s just a sport, and I’m lucky to have a great support system around me.”

Nong-O Hama eyes the flyweight crown

Nong-O Hama admits the fight was closer than the scorecards suggested. The round-three knockdown briefly rattled him before he settled back into his rhythm and saw out the final stretch.

“After the final bell, I was confident I won. I was the one pushing the pace, pressing forward, and landing the cleaner shots throughout the fight,” he said.

“But Kongthoranee clearly came prepared and got his [knockdown] back in round three. At that moment, it felt like my lights went out for a split second. But I got back up, kept my composure, and controlled my body.”

With the trilogy now closed, Nong-O has turned his focus to the vacant gold that changed hands on the same card. Asadula Imangazaliev claimed the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title that night with a five-round win over Aslamjon Ortikov, and Nong-O has already shared a ring with the new champion.

“My ultimate goal is the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title. Of course, it’s up to the promotion to decide when I get that shot,” he said.

“But I’m ready to give it my all in every single fight. No matter how hard the road is, I’m going to push myself even further to make it happen.”