Nong-O Gaiyanghadao Simply Cannot Wait For ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES
Nong-O Gaiyanghadao has had an incredible professional Muay Thai career so far.
He has won many titles in Thailand’s most prestigious stadiums, including the Lumpinee Stadium World Championship on four occasions.
When the highly decorated Thai legend came out of retirement to join ONE Super Series this year, he did so with the intention of building upon his massively successful career.
Nong-O will get the chance to do that once again on Saturday, 6 October.
The 31-year-old is scheduled to face ISKA & WBC World Champion Mehdi “Diamond Heart” Zatout in a Muay Thai bantamweight affair at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES, which takes place at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Having spent countless years competing in the Thai capital, the Evolve representative is eager to return to his old stomping grounds and forge another career highlight.
“I am very excited to compete for ONE Championship in Bangkok for the first time,” the 31-year-old says.
“I have competed in Bangkok for years in the top stadiums like Rajadamnern and Lumpinee, but to represent Thailand in front of a sold-out Impact Arena will be a new experience for me. I can’t wait.”
Nong-O made a successful promotional debut last April, when he defeated Fabio Pinca via unanimous decision at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR in Manila, Philippines.
Now, five and a half months removed from that victory, he returns to face Zatout.
While “Diamond Heart” believes his speed and endurance will give him an advantage in this battle, Nong-O is confident in his world-class skill set and finishing instincts.
The Thai trains at Evolve in Singapore, where he also instructs the biggest names in mixed martial arts including ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion“Unstoppable” Angela Lee and ONE Lightweight World Title challenger Amir Khan.
There, he imparts his wealth of knowledge on Muay Thai and training methodologies, most of which have remained unchanged throughout his years of practice.
Still, Nong-O is not underestimating Zatout, and he plans to tailor his strategy to his adversary’s style.
“I have not made any major adjustments to my training,” he admits.
“The little adjustments are based on watching my opponent and understanding his game. My opponent is a good fighter. He has fast punches. I look forward to fighting him.
“Every bout is important. It is special to come back to Thailand, but I approach every bout with the same focus.”
As well as the chance to impress his compatriots, something else will make Nong-O’s return to compete in his homeland extra special.
He will be appearing at the same event as Thai superstar Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, who defends his WBC Super Flyweight World Title against Iran Diaz in the night’s headline attraction.
The Singapore-based Thai feels fortunate to share the card with the country’s boxing hero.
“It is an absolute honor to perform alongside a great fighter and a Thai sporting icon in Srisaket,” he says.
“He is an inspiration to all, and an inspiration for me, as well. I am super pumped for this card, and I want to put on a good show.”
