WATCH: Thai star Kongthoranee launches into a surgical multi-hit combo that breaks Tagir Khalilov’s psyche at ONE 169
Thai star Kongthoranee Sor Sommai chalked up a rebound victory at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8 in Thailand, defeating Russia's Tagir Khalilov by decision in their catchweight Muay Thai joust. Along the way, he showed his technical skills as a fighter that have made him one of the emerging forces in the 'art of eight limbs' in ONE Championship.
The 27-year-old standout was on top of things throughout his three-rounder with 'Samingpri', which also saw him pummel the Russian with a surgical combination of punches and a kicks at one stretch.
It took place late in the opening round of their clash at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, with Kongthoranee unleashing a leg kick-punches-leg kick combination that dropped Khalilov, setting the tone further for him in the match en route to the convincing victory.
ONE Championship highlighted the precise combination that the Sor Sommai star uncorked at ONE 169 in an Instagram video post:
"Technical brilliance. Kongthoranee cruises to a unanimous decision win over Tagir Khalilov!"
The victory at ONE 169 was a bounce-back for Kongthoranee after he lost by decision in his previous match to double ONE world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 in their flyweight Muay Thai clash in June.
The full replay of ONE 169 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
Kongthoranee proud and excited to be competing in ONE Championship
Kongthoranee Sor Sommai has been establishing a steady Muay Thai career in ONE Championship. It is something he is very proud of and excited about, especially the journey he took to get to where he is now.
The hard-hitting Thai fighter started his journey by honing his skills in various homegrown competitions, making his way up. He landed a spot in the ONE Friday Fights seeies, winning eight of nine matches and paving the way for him to be signed to a lucrative six-figure contract.
He spoke about his journey in an interview with the promotion earlier this year, sharing:
"It's overwhelming -- from a country boy who became an athlete for a world-class sports organization."
The Thai star went on to reiterate his goal of becoming a world champion, saying:
"I still don't think I'm successful yet. It's only the beginning for me. I still have a long way to go. Every fighter wants to become a ONE world champion, and I'm one of them, too."
Since making his promotional debut in February last year, the flyweight fighter has won nine of 11 matches, including his latest at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8.