Nong-O Confident And Training Harder Than Ever For World Title Match

Nong-O Gaiyanghadao has already amassed an extraordinary number of accolades in his Muay Thai career, but on Saturday, 16 February, he will go for his most prestigious honor.

At ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS the Thai superstar will face China’s Han Zi Hao for the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.

The match-up has been made even more special because Nong-O will compete in front of his compatriots inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena.

“This is huge for me,” says the Evolve representative.

“I am very excited about the upcoming bout – I will train so hard for the title.”

Nong-O made his comeback to the ring after a three-year hiatus at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR last April, when he defeated top Frenchman Fabio Pinca in a showdown of World Champion strikers.

He returned in Thailand in October, and put on an even more dominant performance against Mehdi Zatout to punch his ticket for the shot at the World Title.

Despite being a four-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion and a Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, the 32-year-old’s motivation has not waned. Now he is on the global stage for martial arts, he is as determined to succeed as he has been at any time in his life.

“ONE Championship is the world-class stage with a big audience,” he explains.

“This is a World Championship match. I am sure that I and my opponent will give our best. It’s going to be a blast.”

His rival, Mad Muay Thai Gym’s Han, was ONE Super Series’ most prolific competitor in 2018. He has grown in confidence and momentum thanks to a three-bout winning streak in The Home Of Martial Arts, which has showcased his ability to end a bout with one shot – particularly if it comes from one of his fists.

The Chinese athlete is based in Bangkok, the epicenter of the art of eight limbs, and he is a Top King Muay Thai World Champion.

Nong-O has analyzed his foe, and though he respects him, and recognizes his ability, he is unfazed by the challenge ahead of him. 

“I think he is quite tall – taller than me – and he has great punches, but I don’t think he is good at kicking – not like Muay Thai style. I don’t think he is frightening,” reveals the Thai.

Given that Nong-O has faced off against many Muay Thai greats in a 23-year career that has featured more than 300 bouts, there is nothing that could fluster him.

He considers his versatility and experience to be his biggest assets, and he will bring them to bear when he stands across from Han in Bangkok.

“When I started Muay Thai, he wasn’t even born yet,” Nong-O says.

“My style is varied. I can do both – defend and strike. He has that punch, his kicks are so-so. That’s it.”

Han’s greatest weapon is a formidable one, as both Ryan “The Filipino Assassin” Jakiri and Azwan “N41 Manik Urai” Che Wil found out to their detriment when he stopped them quickly.

However, Nong-O believes his preparation will set him in good stead to wrap the belt around his waist on 16 February – and make his compatriots proud of one of their own.

“I will train harder for this bout,” he states.

“I gain my confidence from my hard training. There is no problem when I have good spirit

“I feel great to be back to Thailand, especially as this is for the World Title. I will try my best to win for the Thai people.”