Kiamran Nabati wants Petchtanong next after he sorts out Nong-O: “We can show a crazy fight”
Kiamran Nabati knows who he wants to fight following a potential win against Nong-O Hama.
Over the last year, Nabati has made a name for himself in ONE Championship with three consecutive wins, including a first-round knockout against Suablack Tor Pran49. The undefeated Russian now looks to overcome his toughest challenge when he faces Nong-O on September 27 at ONE Friday Fights 81.
Although he's focused on ONE Friday Fights 81, 29-year-old Nabati recently did an interview with the South China Morning Post and had this to say about who he wants to face if he defeats Nong-O next week:
"I’m very interested. I want to fight Petchtanong in kickboxing. It will be a good fight because Petchtanong has good legs, good boxing, and we can show a crazy fight."
Nong-O vs. Kiamran Nabati will take place inside the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The stacked September 27 event can be seen by North American viewers via pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.
Watch Nabati's entire interview with the South China Morning Post below:
Kiamran Nabati's path to bantamweight title shot
Nong-O is a former longtime ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion coming off a unanimous decision win against Kulabadam Sor Jor Piek Uthai. Therefore, Kiamran Nabati can't overlook the Thai superstar in their upcoming meeting.
With that said, a win against Nong-O would provide Nabati a clearer path to a ONE bantamweight Muay Thai title shot. As the rankings stand, the former world champion holds the number three spot, giving Nabati an opportunity to crack the top five and prove he belongs among the division's best.
As previously mentioned, Nabati hopes to secure a matchup against the number three-ranked bantamweight kickboxer Petchtanong Petchfergus. Theoretically, the undefeated Russian could defeat Nong-O and then take out Petchtanong, leaving him ranked in Muay Thai and kickboxing.
Nabati's kickboxing stint could slightly detour his run for Muay Thai gold. Following ONE Friday Fights 81, the 29-year-old would likely be one win away from a title shot. He also could need two more fights in "The Art of Eight Limbs," as the division is filled with superstars and potential super-fights.