‘Let’s Go Toe-To-Toe’ – After Grueling Fight Camp, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao Wants Epic Battle With Alaverdi Ramazanov
On Friday, January 20, legendary striker Nong-O Gaiyanghadao will put his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title and perfect ONE Championship record on the line in what has the makings to be his stiffest test to date.
The champion’s highly anticipated showdown with Russian knockout artist Alaverdi Ramazanov will serve as the headlining attraction to ONE Friday Fights 1 – the organization’s first event at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
With well over 250 professional victories to his name, including seven straight World Title fights inside the Circle, Nong-O is one of Muay Thai’s most experienced and accomplished superstars.
However, as much as his time in the fight game has molded him into the dangerous ONE World Champion he is today, it has also taken its toll on the 36-year-old veteran.
So, nowadays, the key to his sustained success at the highest level is, quite simply, diligent, hard training day in and day out.
He told ONEFC.com:
“Because I’m getting older, I have to train more to stay strong. And I’m the kind of person who gets irritated if I don’t practice. So, I have to train hard to fight with younger opponents. I try to be active all the time, even during the past New Year holiday. [My] intensity may [have dropped] a bit, but I still went jogging to stay active every day. Never stay idle.”
To that end, the Thai native recently relocated his camp to Thailand, where he trains under the guidance of the world-renowned Trainer Gae and alongside fellow ONE luminaries such as former featherweight kickboxing king Superbon Singha Mawynn and current ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus.
Even this far into his lengthy and illustrious career, Nong-O’s preparation for Ramazanov has been unlike anything before.
He said:
“For this upcoming fight, I feel like it is the most intense fight camp ever in my life. And you know, Trainer Gae is considered the strictest coach I have ever met. He forces me to kick the pads continuously for 10 rounds. I’ve heard of his reputation as a tough trainer, but he is far tougher than I expected.”
Nong-O Gaiyanghadao Wants A Brawl With Alaverdi Ramazanov
Nong-O Gaiyanghadao understands that the surging Dagestani presents a serious threat to his throne.
With his lanky frame, vicious punching power, and back-to-back wins over elite Thai athletes, Alaverdi Ramazanov can’t be taken lightly.
The ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion said:
“This guy can beat many Thai fighters. And, he’s taller and longer than me. He has quick footwork. He’s one tough opponent for me to fight with. My game plan for him is not to be careless. And if I can find a chance, I will finish him right away.”
Specifically, the champion knows he must be aware of “Babyface Killer’s” speedy footwork and tactical awareness, all of which makes him a threatening knockout artist.
Ramazanov employed those skills to great effect in his last fight, a decision win over Capitan Petchyindee at ONE 161.
Nong-O said of that fight:
“His strength is his speed, quick steps in [and] out, and dangerous punch. He is able to maintain [a] good standard in fighting. In his fight with Capitan, he had a very good game plan and adjustment to handle his opponent. That’s why he won that fight.”
Clearly, Nong-O respects the challenger before him. But that doesn’t mean he’s about to avoid a firefight with the surging Russian.
It’s quite the opposite in fact, as he hopes to put on a show at Lumpinee Stadium.
The defending king said:
“On Friday, 20th of January, I will have a treat for him. He keeps calling me out. So, I want to tell him: ‘Stop calling me out, because we will face each other on Friday night, for sure. And please don’t run away from me. Let’s go toe-to-toe or the fight will be boring.’”
