Nong-O targets flyweight Muay Thai gold at ONE Friday Fights 147: “I needed more power”

Nong-O Hama has spent nearly two decades collecting accolades that most fighters only dream about. On March 20, the 39-year-old Thai legend chases the one that would define the final chapter of his career.

He meets undefeated 22-year-old Russian phenom Asadula Imangazaliev for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 147, live in Asia primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The opportunity comes after a painful near-miss at ONE 173 last November, where a scheduled title bout against Rodtang Jitmuangnon was canceled the day before the event. Rather than unravel, Nong-O stayed in the gym. He trusted the promise of ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong that another shot would come. It did.

Moving down to flyweight has done something unexpected to a fighter approaching 40. He looks faster. He looks sharper. He looks hungry in a way that only a man with unfinished business can.

“Since dropping down to the flyweight division, I feel much more agile. It feels like I’m finally facing opponents who are a similar size and build to me,” Nong-O said.

“Even as I approach 40, my mindset hasn’t changed. I’m just as hungry and focused as I’ve ever been. My heart and body are 100 percent ready. I hope this will be a defining fight for me in the late stages of my career.”

Nong-O ready to make history against an undefeated phenom

The road to Friday’s title shot included a difficult lesson. A split-decision loss to Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at ONE Fight Night 28 sent Nong-O back to the gym with a clear-eyed diagnosis — his power at flyweight wasn’t where it needed to be.

He corrected it, avenged the defeat by unanimous decision in their rematch at ONE Fight Night 31, then kept training through the canceled Rodtang bout, staying sharp and ready.

The power is back. The plan is set. Imangazaliev is undefeated and dangerous, but Nong-O has faced the best the sport has produced for two decades and come out the other side with gold around his waist.

“After my first two fights at flyweight, I realized I needed to work on the impact of my strikes. I needed more power in my punches and kicks,” he said.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve competed at this weight, so my power wasn’t quite at 100 percent yet. I’ve been focusing heavily on strengthening those weapons for this camp.

“I was thrilled when I found out I’d be fighting Asadula for the belt. I’d already spoken with Chatri and the team, and they promised me another shot. I knew the opportunity would come because I’ve stayed in shape and kept my performance levels high. I’m always ready.”