Nong-O Hama says Canadians love Muay Thai

The reigning ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Hama recently toured Canada, teaching the art of 8 limbs to the residents. In the end, the striking expert said that he loved the tour and that Canadians love Muay Thai.

Nong-O traveled coast to coast across the great nation, giving seminars in various cities in Canada. After returning home, he spoke to ONE Championship about his impressions of the people:

“This trip has been great because people here really want to learn more about our sport. They’re very friendly, they like to work hard, and they love Muay Thai.”

Canada may become a hot spot for Muay Thai in the future. Part of Nong-O's tour was teaching in Vancouver, BC at the new training facility opened by GLORY world champion Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9.

Additionally, there is a Road to ONE event from Calgary, AB that is upcoming on March 25. Plus, the country has a world champion in ONE Championship, with undefeated striker Jonathan Di Bella holding the strawweight kickboxing throne.

While the future looks bright for Canadian striking sports, it is a nation with a rich history in martial arts. The nation is proudly home to trailblazer kickboxer Jean-Yves Thériault. Plus, former GLORY kickboxing world champion Joseph Valtellini still calls the nation home. The aforementioned Di Bella also grew up not far from Montreal's Georges St-Pierre.

Canada is a small country population-wise but with a hearty fighting spirit. Some locals speculate that the great fight culture comes from its national past-time; hockey. Ice hockey, as a non-Canadian would say, is played by nearly all Canadians. Surprisingly, it still allows fist-fighting on the ice. Canadians have turned this ruthless attitude into success in the ring, cage, and ONE circle.

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Nong-O Hama after the Canada trip

After his tour of Canada, Nong-O is heading home to prepare for his upcoming world title defense. After seven defenses of his Muay Thai throne, the Thai-born striker is not yet satisfied.

After five consecutive knockout wins, the decorated Muay Thai fighter will look to add another KO stoppage on April 21 at ONE Fight Night 9 on Prime Video. In the main event on this card, the 36-year-old athlete is set to face the former ONE flyweight Muay Thai king 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty. Haggerty is looking to take the crown from the long-reigning world champion.

Now back at home in Thailand after his trip to Canada, the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion has had some time to reflect on this upcoming match. On Haggerty, he showed great respect:

“I’ve been watching Haggerty for a long time now, going back to his World Title fights against Rodtang. He’s very skilled and uses many different Muay Thai techniques."