Kongthoranee Sees a Vacant ONE Belt Behind the Naito Rematch

Taiki Naito has already lost to Kongthoranee Sor Sommai once, and Naito says the new rules will make it a completely different fight. They meet again on Friday, November 6, in a co-main event with a vacant ONE belt in the background.

Same opponents, different rules

Their first fight was a Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 37 in October 2023, and Kongthoranee won it. This time it is flyweight kickboxing at ONE Fight Night 49 on Prime Video, live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

Naito, 30, saw Kongthoranee's kickboxing debut and expects a "completely different fight." In his view there will be more punches and more of them crossing from both sides. He gives his opponent credit for adapting.

He backs himself on experience under these rules. On punching, he says he is sure he is better.

What Kongthoranee is chasing

The ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title is vacant, and Kongthoranee calls that "a huge opportunity." His stated goal is to beat Naito and climb into the top tier of the division. If a title chance comes, he wants it.

He is 29 and a three-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion. His kickboxing record is short so far. He debuted with a unanimous decision over Yuan Pengjie at The Inner Circle 32.

Naito's side of the belt chase

Naito wants the same vacant belt, and Muay Thai is where he plans to return afterward. He is a former Shoot Boxing Japan Champion, represents the Bell Wood Fight Team and holds a 39-14 record. A win over Kongthoranee would be his fourth in a row, after beating Hyu Iwata at ONE SAMURAI 1.

Source: BJPenn.com