After back-to-back losses, former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama will return to the ONE Championship ring. The Thai legend will square off against Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai at ONE Friday Fights 58. The 37-year-old will not only use this match as a chance to rebound into the title picture but to serve notice he has no intention of retiring anytime soon.
“In my opinion, my setbacks are something that can happen to any athlete. But my heart is still fighting. My body is still able to do it. Let me say it again: This fight is not going to be my last fight,” Nong-O told ONE.
That is not to suggest he has not felt the weight of the recent losses. The talented striker admitted that negative thoughts grew in the wake of each defeat. However, he quickly put those behind him and focused on the future.
Nong-O understands what he must do to get the gold back around his waist. After losing to Nico Carrillo and Jonathan Haggerty, the Thai star knows he needs multiple wins. The road back to the top only inspires him to set the goal of being a champion again and attacking it one bout at a time.
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“I was a champion before, and I lost my belt. I will say that I thought about coming back to take my belt back as soon as I lost to Jonathan Haggerty. Now, I’m trying to earn a title shot, and I believe that I’ll come back greater than ever. My goal before retiring is to become the World Champion again,” the 37-year-old admitted.
Kulabdam is known for his stinging left hand. The nickname “Left Meteorite” is not just a loose moniker given to him. Nong-O has been breaking down his opponent’s attacks to prepare for what is coming his way inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on April 5.
“I change my training and game plan for every fight because each of my opponents has a different style. For this fight, I know my opponent has a good punch. So I focused on protecting myself from his punches,” Nong-O offered.
Given Kulabdam’s dynamic attacks and recent performances, Nong-O knows a wild encounter will happen in Bangkok. The former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion promised not to back down and meet his opponent’s aggression. But he is adamant that Kulabdam will not have an easy night at the office as he tries to reassert himself at the top of the division.
“I give Kulabdam 10 out of 10. This man is in top form right now. But he doesn’t dare think that he’s going to beat me easily,” Nong-O said.
ONE Friday Fights 58 airs live on Friday, April 5. The event airs for free on ONE’s official YouTube channel. The action begins at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT.
