“My goals have changed” - Nong-O says his motivations have shifted at this stage of his career

Muay Thai legend and former longtime ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Hama of Thailand admits he isn't the same fighter he once was when he was younger. After all, he is 37 years of age with a decade of experience at the highest levels of the 'art of eight limbs', so that statement is warranted.

After a couple of setbacks he suffered at the hands of Jonathan Haggerty and Nico Carrillo, Nong-O says he has shifted his goals and focus. More importantly, he has shifted his mindset and the way he thinks about fighting.

He told the South China Morning Post in a recent interview:

"I would say that when I was younger, I was doing this as a source of income. I was doing it for money. I was doing it for fame, because we all need money to earn a living for our family, right? But it's changed now. Now that I'm 37, my goals have changed."

Nong-O added:

"I feel like the fact that I'm still here, is more of a challenge for myself. So the new opponents coming in is not for fame anymore like when I was younger. It is more like this person is very good, I would like to face this person as a challenge, and I would like to overcome that challenge. I want to show people that I'm still able to fight and I'm still hungry for victory, I would like people to see that."

Nong-O Hama set to face unbeaten Kiamran Nabati at ONE Friday Fights 81

Thai legend Nong-O Hama is set to lock horns with Russia's Kiamran Nabati. The two square off at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Sept. 27.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live via global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.