"Win or Die": Kiamran Nabati Eyes Rematch With Yod-IQ After Sole Career Loss

Kiamran Nabati suffered his first career defeat against Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri this past May by a closely contested split decision. The Russian fighter, however, is not ready to accept that fate and is vying for another shot at the current bantamweight world champion. 

Kiamran Nabati Declares War on Yod-IQ

Nabati returned to action Friday  at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium for Inner Circle 31. However, the clash against Nontachai isn't merely an opportunity for redemption. Nabati has his eyes set on the world title that Yod-IQ narrowly snatched away from the Russian contender after their five-round battle. 

Speaking with ONE FC, the bantamweight challenger congratulated his opponent, even though the loss still bothers him in more ways than one.

“I want to congratulate Yod-IQ. It was a good fight, and he won all five rounds against Rambolek. When I saw his fight, I knew that I could beat this guy because our fight was so close and I thought I was winning."

Still, Nabati has no time to dwell on the past, as he made his hunger for the world title clear. 

“For now, I want to beat Nontachai – that’s my target. After that, I will try to ask the matchmakers to give me a rematch because it’s gonna be five rounds and it will be a war. We will go there to win or die.”

The 31-year-old Archangel Michael star is particularly known for his pressure striking and strong left hooks. Meanwhile, Yod-IQ offers the perfect contrast with his stinging teep and focus on distance management. That was the exact leverage the Thai fighter used against Nabati in their last showdown, keeping the latter on his back foot for most of the fight. 

While that challenge remains on the radar, the Russian menace has not lost sight of his immediate priorities. 

Nabati Hopes to Get The KO Finish With Nontachai

Nontachai Jitmuangnon won't make the win easy for the Russian contender. The Thai fighter, with 6 victories already in ONE FC, won't hesitate to turn up the heat in the ring with heavy exchanges. Nabati, however, is still looking for only his fifth win with the promotion. 

Still, the challenge doesn't concern the 31-year-old, who has faith in his striking power. 

“I will do everything to knock him out. I’m 100 percent confident. I think maybe in the second round or the first round. Let’s see."

Although Nabati acknowledged the danger of a young rising prospect, stopping opponents cold in their tracks is nothing new for the Muay Thai maestro. Notably, a heavy left hook finish against Suablack Tor Pran49 within 2 minutes of the 1st round still has the combat world by the throat. 

The Russian fighter is planning to follow a similar strategy entering the Lumpinee Stadium this Friday. Concluding the interview, Nabati alerted his Thai opponent:

“Nontachai, I hope you are ready, and your training camp was good because you have to be ready. I am coming for you, and I will hunt for your head.”

With both fighters firing shots at each other and title implications at the end of the line for Kiamran Nabati, it'll be interesting to see how the anticipated clash goes down.