Kulabdam Gunning For Knockout Of ‘Idol’ Nong-O In High-Stakes Clash At ONE Friday Fights 58
Thai knockout artist “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai could be on the verge of his true breakout moment.
This Friday, April 5, the 25-year-old striker will square off with former longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion and current #3-ranked contender Nong-O Hama in a highly anticipated showdown at ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian II.
That Asia primetime contest will go down in front of their compatriots at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok – and it could launch Kulabdam into the division’s upper echelon.
After 11 fights in the world’s largest martial arts organization, “Left Meteorite” seems to have finally found his groove, scoring spectacular first-round knockouts in each of his last three appearances.
That winning streak has set him up for perhaps the biggest fight of his career – a chance to take out one of Muay Thai’s most legendary competitors.
Kulabdam told onefc.com that he has nothing but respect for his 37-year-old opponent:
“To fight with Nong-O means a lot to me because he’s my idol. I love his style. I respect his discipline and the way he takes care of his body. He is old, but he can still fight. I’m happy to have a chance to fight with my idol.”
A veteran of well over 300 career bouts, Nong-O won the inaugural bantamweight Muay Thai crown in 2019 and went 10-0 in ONE before falling to current divisional kingpin Jonathan “The General” Haggerty last year.
Given that mountain of high-level experience, Kulabdam is quick to admit that Nong-O is still an incredibly dangerous opponent.
However, he’s also confident that his own youth – coupled with his demanding training camp – could give him the edge in this matchup:
“All of [Nong-O’s] attacks are dangerous. Every weapon he throws at you can knock you out. For his advantage, he definitely has much more experience than me.”
“I think my advantage over him is that I’m younger. In preparation for him, I still practice according to the same program, but I’ve increased the intensity of training.”
Even though he’ll be facing a man he’s admired for years, Kulabdam knows that will all go out the window once the opening bell rings.
He added:
“I feel excited. I’m more than happy to fight a former World Champion like Nong-O. But as soon as my foot steps into the ring, I will forget all the excitement because we are professional fighters. There are no brothers or idols in the ring.”
Kulabdam Targets World Title Shot With Win Over Nong-O
If he can add to his impressive winning streak at ONE Friday Fights 58, Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai believes he’ll be knocking on the door of a crack at two-sport king and reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Jonathan Haggerty.
While he’s not in the business of picking and choosing fights, the Thai thinks a win over Nong-O Hama this Friday could warrant a World Title shot:
“If I can beat Nong-O impressively enough, it shouldn’t be difficult for me to get the title shot with Jonathan Haggerty.
“Who do I want to fight next? It depends on ONE’s matchmakers because I’m not a picky. But it would be great if I could face Haggerty.”
In the meantime, Haggerty is scheduled to defend his belt against current ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver on September 6.
But regardless of who sits atop the divisional throne, Kulabdam knows exactly what’s needed to enter the World Title picture:
“Knocking out Nong-O is really important for me because it’ll be a ticket to the title shot.”
