3 Performances That Show Why Nong-O Hama Is a True Muay Thai Legend

Power, precision, and pace are three essential traits an athlete needs to gain a win inside the ONE Championship Ring. 

And ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama has them in spades. 

The divisional king returns to action in the main event of ONE Fight Night 9 this Friday, April 21, where he’ll defend his strap for the jaw-dropping eighth time against Jonathan “The General” Haggerty.

Before he makes the walk at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this weekend, we relive some of the Thai icon’s best performances across his 10-0 slate at ONE Championship.

#1 Destroys Liam Harrison With Vicious Leg Kicks

The bantamweight Muay Thai kingpin showcased why he is considered a living legend in Muay Thai when he finsihed Brit striking icon Liam “Hitman” Harrison in the co-main event of ONE on Prime Video 1 last year. 

Nong-O’s wrecking leg kicks hurt “Hitman” from the moment their bout kicked off. However, Harrison – known for his ultra-aggressive approach and never-say-die attitude – continued to bite down on his mouthpiece and eat every one thrown at him. 

But as the opening round wore on, it became clear that he was struggling to defend against the champion’s onslaught. Nong-O recognized that, and he aimed a piercing right kick directly at the knee of the “Hitman’s” lead leg.

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When it connected, it sent Harrison to the canvas, where he was instantly deemed unable to continue. The bout was waved off, handing Nong-O the win after just 130 seconds.

#2 Slick Fists Get The Job Done Against Saemapetch

Nong-O’s current streak of five consecutive finishes started with a sensational KO of friend-turned-foe Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE: EDGE OF GREATNESS in November 2019.

The 36-year-old made his intentions known right from the get-go as he uncorked combinations one after the other, attempting to floor the challenger. 

Saemapetch hung on, though, and he even sent Nong-O down for the count at one point. 

But the divsional king turned up the heat as the match progressed, and he threw a looping right cross in the fourth frame that sent Saemapetch to sleep for good.

#3 Demolishes “Demolition Man” With One-Punch Power 

Nong-O’s striking is nothing short of a thing of beauty. And he demonstrated that to the full extent in his stunning finish of Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo at ONE X last March.

The Thai striker stabbed at the Brazilian with jabs and hard low kicks for the majority of the battle and defended with fierce focus any time Lobo stepped toward him. 

“Demolition Man” missed more than he landed as a result, and he became more and more frustrated as he struggled to stay in the fight. 

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He went on the attack in the third frame in an attempt to salvage something, but his eagerness led to his demise.

As Lobo came forward with his jab, Nong-O calmly stepped back and uncorked a concussive right uppercut that separated Lobo from his senses at the 2:15 mark of the third frame.