"I want to make my mark" - Kiamran Nabati says beating a legend like Nong-O will take his career to the next level

Surging bantamweight Muay Thai contender Kiamran Nabati fought tooth and nail to make it to where he is today. Now, the undefeated Russian juggernaut is ready to cash in on a career-defining opportunity against one of the biggest names in 'The Art of Eight Limbs.'

Nabati could find himself entering the division's top 5 if he beats former bantamweight Muay Thai kingpin Nong-O Hama on Sept. 27 at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs Nattawut.

Speaking during the event's virtual press conference, the 29-year-old revealed the hard work he's put on to ensure he leaves Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium with another victory in the bag. He said:

"I've been going through very tough training back in my hometown of Yekaterinburg, Russia."

He added:

"It's been very intense as I prepare for this fight because I know my opponent is quite renowned. I want to make my mark in the history of the sport of Muay Thai, and fighting someone like Nong-O would do exactly that."

The 37-year-old Nong-O is pretty much Muay Thai royalty and is still dangerous at this stage of his career. Kiamran Nabati, however, is determined to hoist the 26 pounds of gold one day, and he knows beating the Thai legend is part of that challenging road.

Watch Nong-O and Nabati's pre-event interviews, here:

Nong-O praises Kiamran Nabati's perfect 21-0 record

So far, Kiamran Nabati has never met a foe he couldn't best in combat. Even the iconic Nong-O is impressed by the Archangel Michel product's incredible run, with his last three wins coming against tough opponents in ONE. Speaking to one, Nong-O said:

“Kiamran’s performances have already been amazing. He’s fought 21 fights and has never lost once."

in the form of Pongsiri PK Saenchai, Avatar PK Saenchai, and most recently, Suablack Tor Pran49. Let's see if Nabati can add another Thai legend to his growing list of victims.

ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian primetime via watch.onefc.com