“I’m Still Strong and Hungry for Victory” – Nong-O Hama Wants to Prove He Belongs Among the World’s Elite

Nong-O Hama will be back in ONE Championship action for the first time since losing the bantamweight Muay Thai crown in April this weekend, and he’s out to show that he still has plenty left in the tank. 

At ONE Friday Fights 46: Tawanchai vs. Superbon this Friday, December 22, the striking veteran will face #5-ranked Nico Carrillo in a pivotal pairing inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. 

O Hama ready to show the world what he’s made up of

Nong-O knows he isn’t getting any younger and is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Therefore, winning against the surging Scot will be the perfect way to remind the world who he is.

“It’s very important. It’s the most important because it’s the fight that will decide if I, at 37 years old, still can fight [against the elite] or not,” he told ONE in an interview. 

Against Carrillo, Nong-O will have his hands full. “King of the North” scored back-to-back knockouts in his first two bouts in ONE, earning him a coveted six-figure contract to compete on the promotion’s biggest stage. 

The Thai legend has done his homework, though, and he knows just what to watch out for against his highly skilled opponent.

Read More: WATCH:- Nong-O Gaiyanghadao Flatlines Felipe Lobo in the Third Round With an Uppercut From Hell to Retain His Belt at ONE X

“I have to be careful of his attacks because he can throw weapons very violently. I will focus more on dodging and defending. I don’t want to trade with him directly. But If I can see an opening, I’ll go for the knockout,” Nong-O said. 

Will he be able prove his critics wrong?

The Evolve MMA standout has been dominant since he arrived in the world’s largest martial arts organization at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR in April 2018. He appeared invincible as he gained the bantamweight Muay Thai World Title and amassed an incredible 10-fight win streak. 

However, his last outing showed that he was human. Despite being a favorite to defeat former flyweight Muay Thai king Jonathan Haggerty at ONE Fight Night 9, he suffered his first promotional loss after “The General” knocked him down three times in the first round.

Read More: Jiu-Jitsu Ace Danielle Kelly Grinds Out a Hard Fought Draw Against Mei Yamaguchi at ONE X

While some are already questioning if he still has what it takes to bounce back, Nong-O is having none of it and wants to prove his worth in the ring. 

“I read some comments, and some of them say I’m old and I’m going to lose again,” he said.

“These insults have fueled my determination to win even more. I will prove to them that even though I am old, I’m still strong and hungry for victory.”

All the action from ONE’s final event of the year, ONE Friday Fights 46, will be broadcast live on pay-per-view exclusively at watch.onefc.com on Friday, December 22.