Nontachai Jitmuangnon Aims for ONE World Title Shot with Victory Over Kiamran Nabati
A fourth consecutive win could elevate Nontachai Jitmuangnon beyond a simple streak; it could position him for a World Title bout.
The Thai fighter is set to face Kiamran Nabati in the bantamweight Muay Thai main event of The Inner Circle 31. The event streams live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, September 18, following two postponements from its initial August date.
Since winning the Road to ONE: Thailand tournament, Nontachai has developed into a more strategic fighter. He's currently on a three-fight winning streak, which includes a decision victory over former World Title challenger Felipe Lobo and a third-round TKO of Semih Sah Cindir. Nabati enters the fight coming off his first professional loss against new champion Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri. Nontachai's team has identified a predictable pattern in Nabati's counter-striking.
"He frequently catches kicks to counter with strong punches, a risky area for me. I'll use feints. When I do kick, I'll aim for the head to prevent him from catching it," Nontachai stated. "We've prepared thoroughly, so he won't get the chance to counter."
Nontachai Jitmuangnon's Prediction for a Fight Against Yod-IQ
A victory against Nabati would mark Nontachai's fourth straight win, an achievement he hasn't yet reached in his ONE Championship career. He's already looking beyond Friday's fight toward the championship, intending to avenge Nabati's sole career defeat by defeating the fighter responsible.
"If I win against Kiamran, it will be my fourth consecutive victory. I'm eager to maintain this momentum. My focus is now on the belt.
"If I face Yod-IQ, I believe I have the skills to overcome him."
Nontachai Jitmuangnon Eyes ONE World Title Shot with Win Over Kiamran Nabati
A fourth straight win could do more than extend a streak for Nontachai Jitmuangnon. It would put him directly in the World Title conversation.
The Thai standout finally meets Kiamran Nabati in the bantamweight Muay Thai main event of The Inner Circle 31, streaming live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, September 18, after a pair of delays pushed the matchup back from its original August date.
Nontachai has evolved into a far more cerebral fighter since winning the Road to ONE: Thailand tournament, powering a three-fight winning streak that includes a decision win over former World Title challenger Felipe Lobo and a third-round TKO of Semih Sah Cindir. Nabati arrives sharper after absorbing his first professional defeat to newly crowned champion Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri, and Nontachai’s corner has already identified an exploitable pattern in the Russian’s counter game.
“He loves catching legs to counter with heavy punches, which is a big danger zone for me. I’ll be throwing feints. When I do kick, I’m aiming straight for the head so he can’t catch it,” he said. “We did our homework, so I’m not giving him the chance to counter-strike.”
Nontachai Jitmuangnon predicts how a fight with Yod-IQ would go
A win over Nabati would give Nontachai his fourth straight victory, a feat he has never accomplished before in his ONE Championship tenure. He has already begun looking past Friday toward the belt itself, with an eye on avenging Nabati’s only career defeat by taking down the man who delivered it.
“If I pull off this win over Kiamran, it’ll be my fourth straight victory. I really want to keep this momentum going. Honestly, my eyes are set on the belt now.
“If I ever get my shot at Yod-IQ, I feel like I’ve got the tools to break him down.”
Fresh materials — UFC News
Ilia Topuria medically cleared, accuses Justin Gaethje of cheating at UFC Freedom 250
Ilia Topuria announced he has received medical clearance to return to fighting. Following his first career loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, Topuria also made accusations regarding Gaethje's conduct during their fight. Gaethje defeated Topuria by TKO in a corner stoppage on the W
Alex Pereira Mocks Ciryl Gane's Champion Status Post-Aspinall Vacation
Alex Pereira has publicly questioned Ciryl Gane's potential claim to the undisputed heavyweight title, following Tom Aspinall's decision to vacate the belt. Tom Aspinall recently announced he is stepping away from his championship duties to recover from eye injuries. He h
Henry Cejudo Faces Undefeated Boxer Wanna Walton After Deen The Great Withdraws
Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo will make his boxing debut against an undefeated boxer. The fight is scheduled for September 26 at a Misfits event in Miami. Cejudo's original opponent, Deen The Great, has pulled out less than two weeks before the event. Misfits announced that Cejudo will
Ilia Topuria’s Coach Denies Imminent UFC Return Despite Dana White’s Claims
Ilia Topuria's team has pushed back against recent statements by UFC CEO Dana White regarding the former two-division champion's potential comeback. Topuria suffered a significant upset loss to Justin Gaethje earlier this year in his first lightweight title defense at UFC Freedom 250,
Renato Moicano Slams Brian Ortega's UFC 331 Pullout, Calls it 'Easiest Fight'
Renato Moicano voiced his displeasure following Brian Ortega's recent withdrawal from UFC 331. The fight was canceled just days before the event in Los Angeles due to an injury sustained by Ortega. Ortega has since commented on his decision, but his return timeline remains
Alexandre Pantoja Issues Direct Warning to Joshua Van Ahead of UFC 331 Rematch
Alexandre Pantoja issued a forceful warning to Joshua Van leading up to their UFC 331 rematch. Their first encounter last December at UFC 323 concluded abruptly after 26 seconds due to Pantoja sustaining an arm injury. This premature stoppage not only ended the fight prematurel