The bonds cast in Bangkok’s sweltering coaching rooms run deeper than blood, and within the strict confines of the gymnasium, ONE Strawweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai and Kongthoranee Sor Sommai have developed an unbreakable brotherhood.
These two Thai warriors will march into battle collectively at ONE Fight Night 36: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella II on Prime Video, dwell in U.S. primetime on Friday, October 3, from Bangkok, Thailand.
Kongthoranee will face undefeated sensation Aslamjon Ortikov, whereas Prajanchai steps into his important occasion rematch towards Jonathan Di Bella to unify the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title. The stakes couldn’t be increased for each Thai veterans preventing on house soil.
Kongthoranee’s transformation from unheralded gem to authentic World Title contender represents a meteoric rise via the ranks. His spectacular performances beneath the ONE Friday Fights banner earned him a life-changing six-figure contract to hitch the primary roster, and the #4-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender has continued delivering towards elite competitors with an 11-3 promotional file on the game’s grandest stage.
To succeed in his full potential, Kongthoranee knew he wanted a change of surroundings regardless of his early success. His pivotal transfer to the famend PK Saenchai gymnasium in Bangkok paired him with Prajanchai and reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai.
Prajanchai instantly noticed one thing particular in Kongthoranee, drawn to their shared technical brilliance, counterstriking mastery, and devastatingly exact ending energy.
The camaraderie shone brightest when Prajanchai passionately cornered Kongthoranee towards former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama at ONE Battle Evening 31 this previous Could. After profitable their first encounter by break up resolution, Kongthoranee got here up brief within the rematch, shedding by unanimous resolution.
Regardless of the setback, Prajanchai’s respect for his teammate solely deepened, reflecting on what he witnessed that night time.
The 30-year-old Thai icon instructed onefc.com:
“Kongthoranee is a really hardworking and decided fighter. He’s very expert and sensible. However on that day, when he fought with Nong-O, he appeared a bit nervous.”
After the loss, Prajanchai watched his teammate channel disappointment into pure dedication.
The 2-sport king was struck by Kongthoranee’s methodical strategy to enchancment and unwavering psychological power. His cautious strategy and underrated toughness allowed him to climate any storm, qualities that caught Prajanchai’s consideration in coaching periods.
The 400-fight veteran was in awe of the 28-year-old’s starvation to evolve:
“He trains exhausting, each within the morning and at night time. It’s exhausting to knock him out except he makes an enormous mistake or will get hit by a robust shot, as a result of Kongthoranee is a fighter who’s at all times cautious.”
Prajanchai Backs Kongthoranee To Overcome Ortikov Problem
Day after day, Prajanchai PK Saenchai has witnessed Kongthoranee’s transformation into a whole striker. The seasoned veteran sees a fighter whose multifaceted abilities proceed evolving with every session.
What strikes Prajanchai most is the proper steadiness between his compatriot’s offense and protection. Kongthoranee has matured right into a affected person hunter, deciding on his moments with scientific precision whereas preserving his guard hermetic.
The 30-year-old is assured these attributes would be the difference-maker towards Aslamjon Ortikov. Prajanchai defined:
“Kongthoranee’s power is that he’s a considerate fighter. He received’t simply rush in and assault recklessly. If he sees a gap, he’ll attempt to transfer in. His protection can be strong.”
Nonetheless, Ortikov presents a formidable problem that can not be missed. The undefeated 22-year-old Uzbek boasts an immaculate 22-0 slate, together with an unblemished eight victories on this planet’s largest martial arts group.
He enters with super momentum following his contract-winning knockout victory over Petsukumvit Boi Bangna, the place he showcased his killer instincts with one more spotlight reel end at ONE Friday Fights 114 this previous June. The younger lion is hungry to crack the division’s high 5 and set up himself among the many flyweight elite.
However Prajanchai’s religion in Kongthoranee won’t ever waver. He sees a tactical grasp prepared to show uncooked expertise with masterful precision.
Whereas Ortikov’s good file might intimidate others, Prajanchai believes the stylistic distinction will favor his extra skilled teammate Kongthoranee. The PK Saenchai Muaythaigym consultant defined:
“I feel it’ll be an thrilling combat. I don’t know who will win or lose, however he’s undoubtedly quick. Kongthoranee is perhaps extra cautious, and he has energy. It’s a special sort of model.”