Nong-O Gaiyanghadao Excited To Return To Home Soil For ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES

Thai superstar Nong-O Gaiyanghadao’s legacy in Muay Thai is already assured, but the 31-year-old Muay Thai ace is now looking to add another layer of greatness to his career in ONE Championship.

A four-time Lumpinee Stadium World Champion, Nong-O came out of retirement to join ONE Super Series.

He made a successful promotional debut with a unanimous decision victory over Fabio Pinca at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR in Manila in April.

His return to action against ISKA and WBC World Champion Mehdi “Diamond Heart” Zatout will take place in a bantamweight Muay Thai contest at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES in Bangkok, Thailand on 6 October.

“I am very excited to compete for ONE Championship in Bangkok for the first time,” he says.

“I have competed in Bangkok for years in the top stadiums like Rajadamnern and Lumpinee, but to represent Thailand in front of a sold-out Impact Arena will be a new experience for me. I can’t wait.”

Training at Evolve in Singapore, Nong-O also teaches some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, including ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee and ONE Lightweight World Title challenger Amir Khan.

As you might expect from a seasoned campaigner, Nong-O is not taking his opponent lightly, but he says he has not transformed his training regimen to match Zatout’s skills.

“I have not made any major adjustments to my training,” he admits.

“The little adjustments are based on watching my opponent and understanding his game. My opponent is a good fighter. He has fast punches. I look forward to fighting him.

“Every bout is important. It is special to come back to Thailand, but I approach every bout with the same focus.”

The Thai star also revealed the occasion in Bangkok is even more special for him, as he will be sharing the card with Thai boxing superstar Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, who defends his WBC Super Flyweight World Title in the night’s main event.

“It is an absolute honour to perform alongside a great fighter and a Thai sporting icon in Srisaket,” he says.

“He is an inspiration to all, and an inspiration for me, as well. I am super pumped for this card, and I want to put on a good show.”