The Stars Predict Nong-O Gaiyanghadao Vs. Liam Harrison World Title Fight
Fighters and fans alike are excited for the hard-hitting ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title bout between Nong-O Gaiyanghadao and Liam Harrison.
The explosive strikers will face off in the co-main event of ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II, which airs live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in U.S. primetime this Friday, August 26.
Reigning king Nong-O is a true legend of modern Muay Thai who’s blasted his way through every ONE Championship opponent to date.
However, England’s “Hitman” is a superstar in his own right and could be the Thai’s biggest threat yet with his incredible durability and punching power.
Anything could happen when the men collide inside the Circle. Here are predictions from some of ONE’s leading stars ahead of the World Title showdown.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon
“All of Liam’s weapons are heavy and violent, but Nong-O is much more accurate and much more experienced in Muay Thai. The longer the game proceeds, the more techniques Nong-O will execute to dominate Liam.
“But again, it depends on who makes the mistake first. Liam has to prepare his game plan well because Nong-O can be both technical and a brawler at the same time. But personally, I give it to Nong-O.”
Jonathan Haggerty
“I can see Liam landing a short [punch] and knocking out Nong-O. But on the other hand, is Nong-O too strong? And he’s on a good win streak, isn’t he? The names he’s been putting away, he’s been knocking out the young boys as well, the likes of Saemapetch [Fairtex] and Rodlek [PK.Saenchai].
“It’s going to be a tough one. It’ll be the toughest fight Liam Harrison is ever going to have, but in those little gloves, I can see him landing one and game over. Likewise with Nong-O. I want him to win, obviously. Then he can get the belt, I can get the [flyweight] belt, and we make it a Wembley showdown.”
Saemapetch Fairtex
“I predict Nong-O will win by KO. In the five-round World Championship fights, Thai fighters usually know how to reserve their energy. On the contrary, foreigners often put out their full power from the beginning. And, by the fourth or fifth round, they are likely to be exhausted. Nong-O has a lot of chances to knock him out.”
Rittewada Petchyindee
“For this fight, in my point of view, I think Nong-O has all the necessary tools, kicks, elbows, guard, and his sharp and heavy punches. Liam is very experienced. He is a veteran in Muay Thai, but I predict that Nong-O will be able to defend his belt.”
Savvas Michael
“[Harrison is] really hungry, and he really wants that belt. I think this is the right place and time for him. Nong-O does look strong, but Harrison is also a beast and anything can happen with 4-ounce gloves. Again, whoever does the first mistake is getting knocked out.”
Jackie Buntan
“This is an insane matchup. I’m a huge fan of both. Nong-O is one of my favorites to watch, but I think Liam has proved himself time and time again why he deserves this opportunity. I think Liam can take it.”
Walter Goncalves
“They are two great fighters, but I believe in Nong-O Gaiyanghadao’s victory. He is more experienced, stronger, and faster. He has all the tools necessary to win this duel. I believe that Nong-O Gaiyanghadao will dominate Liam Harrison and win without fear.”
Martin Nguyen
“It’s hard to bet against the champ. The guy is a beast and on another level of striking, but in saying that, you can never count out the ol’ dog Liam Harrison, who is the most explosive striker on the ONE roster.”
Colbey Northcutt
“I predict Nong-O will remain the champ. He has successfully defended his title numerous times already and has fantastic striking.”
Panpayak Jitmuangnon
“I can’t tell who will win the fight, but from my experience of watching Nong-O closely, I am confident in his effective training and strong will. I think Liam will not be a tough task for him. In my opinion, Nong-O is now at perfection in all aspects.”
Eko Roni Saputra
“[Harrison] was very stoked able to fight Nong-O. He has power in his strikes. He also has good combinations, and he might be dangerous for Nong-O with that power. But Nong-O also has great power and defense, as he’s also one of the best in the world. And Harrison almost got knocked out twice last time.
“I think it’s 80:20 to Nong-O, and it wouldn’t even reach round three. Nong-O has an incredibly tight defense, and his attacks are both accurate and powerful.”
John Wayne Parr
“I love Liam, but Nong-O is one of the scariest Thais on the ONE Championship roster.”
ONE Commentator Michael Schiavello
“Liam Harrison. This is perhaps the English legend’s last roll of the dice for a major title, and he will unleash the beasts of hell to get it.”
Amber Kitchen
“Liam’s fight definitely seems quite explosive. And he wants it. Especially after his last fight when he just got on with it and came back [from the knockdowns]. I think he is headstrong and that’s most of the battle with big fights like that. He knows what he’s doing technique wise, but I think he really wants it. So yeah, I think he’ll do good.”
