Kongthoranee Steps in for Johan Estupinan to Face Taiki Naito in Rematch at ONE Fight Night 49
Kongthoranee steps in for Johan Estupinan to face Taiki Naito in a rematch at ONE Fight Night 49, aiming for his second victory over the Japanese fighter.
Thai fighter Kongthoranee Sor Sommai will have a new opportunity to showcase his kickboxing evolution. At 29 years old, he has been tapped to replace Johan Estupinan and face 30-year-old Japanese fighter Taiki Naito at ONE Fight Night 49, scheduled for November 7. The bout will take place in the flyweight division (125 to 135 pounds).
This matchup marks a reunion of two athletes who have previously shared the ring. In October 2023, at ONE Lumpinee 37, Kongthoranee defeated Naito by unanimous decision in a Muay Thai contest.
Now, with different rules and at different stages in their careers, the two will meet again in a significant rematch for their ambitions within the organization.
Kongthoranee Aims to Solidify Kickboxing Comeback
Hailing from Phetchabun, Thailand, Kongthoranee faced a challenging period before embarking on his kickboxing journey.
The athlete suffered four consecutive losses in Muay Thai and decided to switch disciplines in search of better results.
His kickboxing debut occurred in September at The Inner Circle 32, where he defeated Chinese fighter Yuan Pengjie by unanimous decision.
This victory ended his losing streak and restored confidence in the Thai fighter, who now aims to secure his second consecutive win in the sport.
Facing an opponent he knows well, Kongthoranee will have the chance to replicate his 2023 success and demonstrate his adaptability to kickboxing rules.
Taiki Naito Enters with Three-Fight Winning Streak
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On the other side, Taiki Naito is enjoying a positive phase, arriving at the matchup with a three-fight winning streak.
In his most recent appearance in April at ONE Samurai 1, the Japanese fighter defeated his compatriot Hiu by unanimous decision, who had been undefeated until that point.
Known for his technical skills, Naito will have the opportunity to avenge his loss to Kongthoranee from three years ago.
In addition to the rematch, another victory could bolster his chances of moving closer to a title shot for the ONE Championship flyweight kickboxing belt.
Rule Change Adds New Challenge to Rematch
Although the two have faced each other before, the November bout presents a significant difference: the first fight was under Muay Thai rules, while the rematch will be contested in kickboxing.
This change creates a different scenario for both competitors, especially for Kongthoranee, who is still early in his journey in the new discipline.
The Thai fighter is banking on the confidence gained from his victorious debut, while Naito looks to capitalize on his positive momentum to achieve a different outcome from their first encounter.
With clear objectives on both sides, the rematch promises to be one of the highlights of ONE Fight Night 49.
ONE Fight Night 49 Set for November 7
ONE Fight Night 49 is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, with live coverage for the Thai audience.
The first fights will be available starting at 9 AM Thailand time on Watch.ONEFC.com, as well as the official Facebook and YouTube channels of ONE Championship. Thai broadcaster 7HD will also air the event starting at 10 AM.
For Kongthoranee, this match represents an opportunity to confirm his comeback and extend his winning streak in kickboxing. For Naito, it will be a chance to settle the score with an old rival and advance toward his goals in the flyweight division.
Source: Muay Thai Stand (Facebook)
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