Russian slugger Kiamran Nabati has been forced to wait longer than he ever expected, but the 31-year-old is ready to make every minute of that delay worth it.
He steps back inside the ring for a bantamweight Muay Thai main event clash against Nontachai Jitmuangnon at The Inner Circle 31. The card takes place in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, September 18.
The two were initially set for war at ONE Fight Night 46 last month, but an unexpected turn of events – Nabati missing hydration and a last-minute illness on Nontachai’s side – forced the bout off the card.
Of course, frustration was there on Nabati’s end. However, he has channeled every one of it into his extended fight camp, turning a setback into the perfect opportunity to display his growth on this card. He shared:
“I was ready before, and I’m just as ready all the time – anytime, everywhere. I had to extend my camp, but it’s okay. I was still training. I was still improving my skills,” Kiamran Nabati said. Now I am confident, and I am ready for this fight. I will try to show my best performance.”
The Archangel Michael athlete has gone to town with his preparation, and he’s also paid close attention to what Nontachai has said leading up to this battle.
Nontachai, who rides a three-fight winning streak, has declared his willingness to stand in the pocket and trade with the heavy-handed Russian. Nabati, though, intends to make him regret every word once the bell sounds. The 31-year-old warned:
“I will do everything to knock him out. I’m 100 percent confident. I think maybe in the second round or the first round. Let’s see. It’s gonna be a good fight because Nontachai also has a win streak. He’s in form, he’s also a young guy, and he also wants to beat me.”
Kiamran Nabati wants to run it back with Yod-IQ
Kiamran Nabati has one specific fighter circled in his mind for the future: Newly crowned ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri.
The Thai star captured the divisional strap after defeating Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon by split decision at The Inner Circle 30 on September 11, a shot he earned after beating Nabati by razor-thin split decision back in May.
Watching Yod-IQ script the crowning moment of his career from the outside was bittersweet for the Russian, who firmly believes the roles could have been reversed had the cards fallen differently in their first encounter.
Still, Nabati respects what Yod-IQ has accomplished. But make no mistake — he has zero interest in letting the story end at their first meeting. A statement win over Nontachai on September 18 opens up exactly the pathway he wants toward a world title shot.
He added:
“I want to congratulate Yod-IQ. It was a good fight, and he won all five rounds against Rambolek. When I saw his fight, I knew that I could beat this guy because our fight was so close and I thought I was winning.”
“For now, I want to beat Nontachai – that’s my target. After that, I will try to ask the matchmakers to give me a rematch because it’s gonna be five rounds and it will be a war. We will go there to win or die.”
