The atmosphere was electrifying as martial arts fans from around the globe tuned in for the spectacle that was ONE Friday Fights 31. From veterans of the sport to young phenoms making their mark, the night was replete with technical brilliance, awe-inspiring knockouts, and bouts that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
In a flyweight Muay Thai showdown that culminated the event, Kongthoranee Sor Sommai put on a clinic against Sherzod Kabutov. From the get-go, both warriors exchanged calculated blows with a finesse that can only be described as art in motion. Kabutov electrified the audience with a spinning back kick early in the contest. However, Kongthoranee, a two-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, had his own arsenal ready, retaliating with a razor-sharp left cross. As the bout advanced, Kongthoranee’s high kicks rained down like thunder, but Kabutov’s resilience was evident as he skillfully countered each attack. When “Lion” Kabutov attempted a clinch in the final round, Kongthoranee seized the moment with a series of clean left elbows that shifted the bout decisively in his favour. The judges were unanimous: Kongthoranee’s aggression warranted his third consecutive ONE Friday Fights win, extending his striking record to an impressive 64-15.
In another scintillating 132-pound Muay Thai match-up, Chorfah Tor Sangtiennoi demonstrated the epitome of a comeback against Mongkolkaew Sor Sommai. Although Mongkolkaew seemed to have the edge in the first round, Chorfah had other plans. He unleashed a flush left hook that sent Mongkolkaew sprawling to the canvas not once but twice, delivering a knockout in just 31 seconds into the second frame. The Thai sensation’s striking record was thus bolstered to 102-45.
In a 138-pound catchweight Muay Thai duel, Sibsan Nokkhao KorMor11 and Baramee Sujeebameekiew displayed equilibrium in their initial offensive forays. But the game changed abruptly in the second round. A well-timed elbow from Sibsan sent Baramee crashing down just 30 seconds into the round, and the referee had no choice but to call off the fight. Sibsan marked his third win in ONE, pushing his overall record to 63-18.
An adrenaline-charged flyweight Muay Thai match saw Puengluang Baanramba secure a unanimous decision victory against Seksan Fairtex. A relentless torrent of strikes from both combatants kept the fans at Lumpinee Stadium buzzing. Puengluang shined, particularly in the clinch, and brought his record to an astounding 61-5 after a third consecutive win in ONE Championship.
Sornsueknoi FA Group announced his arrival with a bang, quite literally, as he laid waste to Udomlek Nupranburi with devastating leg kicks. The bout ended within minutes, Sornsueknoi clinching his debut with a knockout that sent shockwaves through the ONE Muay Thai ranks.
In a 117-pound catchweight Muay Thai clash, Tonglampoon Maimornforest exhibited maturity beyond his years against a hard-hitting Apidet Namduemmee77. Tonglampoon’s impressive striking performance garnered unanimous nods from the judges, thereby marking his debut with a striking record of 40-11.
Alaverdi Ramazanov made an emphatic statement, stopping Alessandro Sara in under 100 seconds. Ramazanov showcased his mastery by delivering a crushing right elbow, sending “The Italian Ferrari” to the canvas and the ref to stop the fight.
Italian standout Luca Cecchetti clashed with Huo Xiaolong in a strawweight kickboxing bout. While Huo possessed speed, Cecchetti’s thunderous punches made the difference, earning him a unanimous decision and a record of 44-5.
River Daz showed resilience against Nonthakit Tor Morsri, delivering a right cross that set the tone for a wild exchange of strikes. Despite sustaining eye damage, Daz secured the unanimous decision win, elevating his striking record to 33-1.
In a 112-pound Muay Thai battle, Nongam Fairtex extended her ONE Championship win streak to three by defeating Francisca Vera. Vera landed several sharp one-two combinations, but Nongam’s resilience and aggression won her a majority decision, pushing her record to 46-5.
In the lone MMA bout of the night, Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu left no room for doubt, dominating Gadzhimurad Gasanguseinov with explosive takedowns and ground control. Though he couldn’t find a finish, the unanimous decision was a mere formality, pushing his career to 8-1.
