Nong-O says dictating the tempo will play major role in Kiamran Nabati clash: “Who can control the pace first”

Nong-O plans to control the pace against Kiamran Nabati "in the early stages" of their upcoming fight.

Later this week, ONE Championship returns to the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, for ONE Friday Fights 81. In the co-main event, former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O looks to continue building momentum after snapping his two-fight skid in April.

Nong-O's upcoming opponent is unranked Kiamran Nabati. The undefeated Russian earned a six-figure contract from ONE Championship following a 3-0 run on the ONE Friday Fights series, including a first-round knockout against Suablack. He now looks to take out the number three-ranked bantamweight.

Nong-O recently did an interview with ONE to discuss his upcoming matchup against Nabati. The 37-year-old had this to say about needing to dictate the pace early to ensure he emerges victorious at ONE Friday Fights 81:

"In the early stages, the game will go to the one who can control the pace first and who will follow whose plan first."

ONE Friday Fights 81 goes down on Friday, September 27. Following Nong-O vs Kiamran Nabati, the main event will feature guaranteed fireworks as Superbon and Jo Nattwiut go to war in the featherweight Muay Thai division. The upcoming event in Bangkok, Thailand, can be seen via pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com.

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What's at stake between Nong-O and Kiamran Nabati?

Last month featured a significant moment in the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai division. Jonathan Haggerty attempted to defend his world title against Superlek in the ONE 168: Denver main event. Unfortunately for Haggerty, Superlek obliterated him in 49 seconds, making the latter a two-sport world champion.

ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong recently confirmed number one-ranked Nico Carrillo will challenge Superlek in his next fight. Therefore, Nong-O vs Kiamran Nabati likely won't be a number-one contender bout.

Nabati has a massive opportunity to take out a former world champion and enter the top-five rankings. Meanwhile, Nong-O could potentially set himself up for a top-contender bout in late 2024 or early 2025. It should be noted that number four-ranked Nabil Anane and Haggerty have a strong presence in the title picture.