Kongthoranee Sor Sommai enters ONE Fight Night 39 as the underdog, but the 29-year-old Thai striker has no intention of allowing Asadula Imangazaliev to use him as a stepping stone toward title contention in their flyweight Muay Thai co-main event on January 24.
The experienced star from Sor Sommai and Silk Muay Thai faces the undefeated Russian, desperate to end a two-fight skid while disrupting one of the division's most dangerous rising stars.
Kongthoranee provided a frank assessment of what makes the 22-year-old Imangazaliev from Team Mehdi Zatout such a challenging opponent.
"His strength is definitely his speed. He's a complete fighter with dangerous punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. It's true his record is impressive, but I've lost two in a row now. I want this win badly, and I will do my absolute best," the Thai veteran stated.
The Russian challenger brings an unblemished 10-0 striking record into this co-main event. His finishing rate and perfect record have positioned him as one of the flyweight division's most exciting talents.
Kongthoranee's 11-4 promotional record highlights the consistency that established him as a legitimate contender before recent struggles.
His consecutive losses came against formidable opposition: legendary Nong-O Hama and Aslamjon Ortikov.
Rather than accepting defeat before the opening bell, Kongthoranee views this bout as his opportunity to silence doubters and reclaim his position among the division's elite.
"I'm being viewed as the underdog for this fight, which is fair. But this fight is my chance to prove that I still have the fire and that I can reclaim my best form," Kongthoranee explained.
The 29-year-old Thai striker's fighting spirit remains intact despite recent adversity, and he delivered a defiant message about his intentions.
"I refuse to be a stepping stone for him. I'm giving this everything I've got. I don't know who will win or lose, but I'm coming to fight 100 percent," he declared.
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