Thai legend Nong-O Hama “99 percent ready” for his impending Bangkok showdown against Kiamran Nabati
Nong-O Hama is practically in peak form ahead of his pivotal bantamweight Muay Thai matchup against Kiamran Nabati.
The former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion will face the Russian slugger at ONE Friday Fights 81 on Friday, Sept. 27, at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
A few days before they trade limb and leather, Nong-O posted on Instagram that he's as close to fighting shape as possible while sparring with former Rajadamnern Stadium world champion Khunsuek at Superbon's gym, Superbon Training Camp.
Nong-O Hama wrote:
"99% ready."
Nong-O is one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters in history, with some observers even calling the Thai legend the greatest to ever do it.
The 37-year-old has an absurd mark of 266 wins in his professional career, with four Lumpinee Stadium and one Rajadamnern Stadium world titles in his trophy cabinet.
Nong-O brought that world championship pedigree to ONE Championship when he joined the promotion in 2018.
In one of the best starts in the promotion's history, Nong-O racked up 10 straight wins and was 8-0 in his first eight world title fights.
Nong-O, however, relinquished the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title to Jonathan Haggerty in April 2023.
After losing his subsequent bout to Scottish monster Nico Carrillo in December 2023, Nong-O bounced back with a methodical unanimous decision win against Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai at ONE Friday Fights 58.
Kiamran Nabati remains cautious of Nong-O Hama ahead of Bangkok clash
Nong-O Hama may be going up in age, but Kiamran Nabati isn't letting his guard down once he touches gloves with the living legend.
Nabati told the South China Morning Post that he remains cautious of the power Nong-O possesses heading into their ONE Friday Fights 81 matchup this Friday.
The Russian rising star added that he's privileged to share the ring with Nong-O and test his mettle against the Muay Thai icon.
"I know he’s old, but he’s also dangerous. I can’t say he’s old and very easy. Nong-O has a lot of experience, and he was a champion for many years. It’s gonna be a good fight. I have so much respect for him, and it’s a big honor for me to fight Nong-O and show the world who I am."