5 Key Weapons That Made Kongthoranee a Top Flyweight Contender in Muay Thai
After 13 thrilling bouts in ONE Championship, KongthoraneeSor Sommai has carved out a name for himself as one of the most dangerous contenders in the flyweight Muay Thai division of the global martial arts organization.
On the morning of Saturday, May 3rd, the 28-year-old fighter will step into the ring in a flyweight rematch against former bantamweight world champion Nong-O Hama, headlining the ONE Fight Night 31 card.
Having secured a hard-fought split decision victory in their first bout back in February, Kongthoranee — a three-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai champion — aims to reaffirm his superiority over the veteran and continue his path toward the vacant flyweight title.
Before his return to the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, let’s take a look at the five lethal weapons that make the current #3-ranked flyweight a true Muay Thai threat:
1. Exceptional Counter-Attacking Skills
Kongthoranee possesses high-level technical fighting skills and shines when counter-attacking from a defensive stance. He excels at pressuring his opponents, forcing them to make mistakes, and capitalizing on gaps in their defense with swift, hard-to-read strikes.
2. Devastating Left Punch
His straight left punch is considered his most dangerous weapon. The Thai fighter has mastered delivering it with both precision and power, having knocked out several opponents with it — including his compatriot and current #4-ranked flyweight, Nakrob Fairtex.
3. Powerful Left Kicks
Kongthoranee utilizes a strong left kick that targets the opponent’s legs, body, and head. This kick keeps his opponents constantly on alert and can end a fight at any moment.
4. Elbow Strikes in Close Range
Although he prefers to fight from a distance, Kongthoranee is also highly skilled in close-range combat, particularly with elbow strikes. He effectively used these weapons against Nong-O in their first encounter.
5. Mental Toughness and Grit
Beyond his physical abilities, Kongthoranee is known for his exceptional mental strength and remarkable resilience. He maintains composure, patience, and a strong ability to recover under pressure. A standout example of this was his fight against Jaosuayai Mor Krongthepthonburi at ONE Friday Fights 58, where he was knocked down in the second round, only to come back strong, drop his opponent, and win by judges’ decision.
