"The confidence is coming back" - Muay Thai icon Nong-O feels rejuvenated after snapping two-fight skid against Kulabdam
Nong-O has regained his confidence after ending a two-fight losing streak.
In April 2023, Nong-O entered the ONE Fight Night 9 main event as the bantamweight Muay Thai world champion with a 10-0 promotional record. On that night, Jonathan Haggerty pulled off a shocking upset win by knocking out the Thai superstar in round one to become the division's new king.
Eight months later, Nico Carrillo handed Nong-O his second loss under the ONE Championship banner with a second-round knockout at ONE Friday Fights 46. Following the brutal two-fight stretch, some fans questioned if the former bantamweight Muay Thai world champion should retire.
On April 5, Nong-O silenced the doubters by securing a unanimous decision win against Kulabdam, ending the latter's four-fight win streak. During an interview with Sportsmanor, the 37-year-old Thai superstar had this to say about his confidence level rising after emerging victorious at ONE Friday Fights 58:
"I am absolutely happy about the victory and I feel that the confidence I had is coming back. I can sense that."
Watch Nong-O's entire interview with Sportsmanor below:
What's next for Nong-O under the ONE Championship banner?
On September 5, two-sport king Jonathan Haggerty looks to defend his bantamweight Muay Thai world title in the ONE 168 main event. To do so, 'The General' must get through flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek, who is widely considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the promotion.
Regardless of the outcome, Nong-O might need another win before fighting for the bantamweight Muay Thai throne. Luckily, there could be the perfect opponent for the 37-year-old's next fight.
At ONE 168, a matchup between Muay Thai greats Liam Harrison and Seksan will play out on the undercard. Whoever wins could be the perfect opponent for Nong-O, as fans would love to see another action-packed fight between living legends.
ONE 168 goes down inside the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The September 5 spectacle can be seen live and for free by North American viewers with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.