Nong-O targets more titles at 40 ahead of Rodtang quarter-final

Nong-O Hama says turning 40 has not ended his ambitions for another ONE Championship world title as he prepares for a flyweight Muay Thai Grand Prix quarter-final against Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Their November 13 contest tops The Inner Circle 38 programme at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, the former bantamweight champion said he did not regard the tournament as his final opportunity to claim a title. In a birthday message on Facebook, he described his continuing commitment to training and improvement despite the physical changes that come with age.

Nong-O said his preparation had emphasised strength and conditioning for an opponent 11 years younger. He has retained the strategy developed for their cancelled Tokyo bout, saying his main concern was having the fitness to cope with Rodtang’s pressure.

The two had been scheduled to contest the vacant flyweight title at ONE 173 last November. Rodtang became ill after completing hydration checks and making weight, prompting the cancellation. Nong-O had not met either requirement and would therefore have been unable to win the belt.

Nong-O’s bantamweight title run began with victory over Han Zi Hao in February 2019. He defended the belt successfully seven times before losing to Jonathan Haggerty in April 2023. After a knockout defeat by Asadula Imangazaliev in March, he beat Kongthoranee Sor Sommai by unanimous decision in June and now ranks third in ONE’s flyweight Muay Thai division.

Victory against Rodtang would set up a semi-final with Shimon Yoshinari or Ramadan Ondash. The tournament winner will claim both the flyweight world title and a separate Grand Prix belt, which Nong-O identified as his immediate objective.