Nong-O Hama Set To Go To War Against Former Champion At ONE Fight Night 9

After singlehandedly steamrolling every possible contender in the bantamweight Muay Thai division of ONE Championship, Nong-O Hama will receive a fresh challenge in his next world title defense.

The 36-year-old kickboxing icon from Sakon Nakhon, Thailand—formerly known as Nong-O Gaiyanghadao—is set to formally welcome Jonathan Haggerty of England into the talent-filled weight class when they collide for his gold-plated strap at ONE Fight Night 9 on April 22 (April 21 in the United States).

Ever since making a comeback in 2018, Nong-O authored a storybook career resurgence for the ages as he embarked on an impressive 10-fight winning streak.

During that stretch, Nong-O captured the inaugural ONE bantamweight Muay Thai title at the expense of Chinese striker Han Zi Hao and then recorded seven triumphant defenses—with the last five of them coming by way of knockout.

In his most recent assignment last January, the Thai hard-hitter toppled former ONE bantamweight kickboxing kingpin Alaverdi Ramazanov, delivering a contest-ending bodyshot in the third round to strengthen his case as the most dominant striking world champion in the promotion's history.

Nong-O eyes to log a new entry into his list of victims, but it will not be a walk in the park as Haggerty—the ex-ONE flyweight Muay Thai titleholder—is recognized for his never-say-die attitude.

The Englishman spent the majority of his career as a flyweight, picking up victories over the likes of Joseph Lasiri, Taiki Naito, Mongkolpetch Petchyindee and Sam-A Gaiyanghadao under the organization's banner.

"The General" is also associated with his pair of epic clashes versus Rodtang Jitmuangnon—with his Thai arch-nemesis prevailing via unanimous decision in the first encounter and then winning again in the rematch by third-round knockout to put an end to the rivalry.

Haggerty intended to make his official bantamweight debut back in November against Russia's Vladimir Kuzmin, but he was three pounds over the limit.

The duel continued at a catchweight, where Haggerty came out on top by majority decision,

ONE Fight Night 9 is slated to happen at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

ONE Championship is expected to unveil the entire bout lineup for the aforementioned live event in the coming weeks.