“My mental instinct is better now” - Kiamran Nabati has reinforced his mindset heading into Nong-O war

Kiamran Nabati is feeling mentally strong ahead of the biggest fight of his combat sports career.

Returning to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Sept. 27, the undefeated Russian standout will face his toughest test yet when he squares off with former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Hama at ONE Friday Fights 81 live on pay-per-view.

Nabati goes into his fourth promotional appearance having bested his first three opponents. Nabati defeated both Pongsiri PK Saenchai and Avatar PK Saenchai via unanimous decision before landing a highlight-reel knockout against Suablack in the opening round of their ONE Friday Fights 68 scrap.

Ahead of his war with the 266-win Thai superstar, Nabati spoke with the South China Morning Post about his mental preparedness, saying:

"After weeks of hard work, I think my mental instinct is better now. Step by step, fight after fight, my mentality is better."

Overall, Kiamran Nabati is a perfect 21-0 in his career and is one big win away from establishing himself as a potential title contender in ONE's loaded bantamweight Muay Thai division.

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Nong-O seeking second straight win against Kiamran Nabati at ONE Friday Fights 81

That'll be easier said than done as Nabati takes on one of the most decorated strikers in the art of eight limbs.

Storming into ONE Championship in 2018, Nong-O won 10-straight, including noteworthy victories over Saemapetch Fairtex, Rodlek PK Saenchai, Felipe Lobo, Liam 'Hitman' Harrison, and Alaverdi Ramazanov.

Unfortunately, Nong-O saw his unbeaten streak snapped by current ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Jonathan Haggerty at ONE Fight Night 9. That was followed by a devastating second-round loss to Nico Carrillo eight months later.

Nong-O has since bounced back with a win over Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai at ONE Friday Fights 58 earlier this year, but if the Thai superstar hopes to keep his momentum going, he'll need every weapon in his holster to take Kiamran Nabati's 'O.'

ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live and exclusively on pay-per-view on Friday, Sept. 27 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. You can purchase the event exclusively on the official ONE Championship website.