Asadula Imangazaliev: “I refuse to be a stepping stone for him”

Kongthoranee Sor Sommai is seeking to halt the streaking Asadula Imangazaliev when they collide this week. The Thai fighter said he will go all out as he also tries to wiggle out of the slump he is currently in.

The two are featured in a flyweight Muay Thai battle at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Jan. 23 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. They are coming from opposite tunes, with the Sor Sommai Gym representative losing back-to-back fights while his Russian opponent is undefeated in six matches to date in ONE Championship.

In a pre-fight interview with the promotion, Kongthoranee shared his thoughts on his fight on deck, including how despite going against a formidable opponent, he is undeterred and that he will stop at nothing to make things happen.

The Thai hard-hitter said:

“I refuse to be a stepping stone for him. I’m giving this everything I’ve got. I don’t know who will win or lose, but I’m coming to fight 100 percent.”

Kongthoranee was last in action in October, losing by decision to Aslamjon Ortikov of Uzbekistan. It was his second straight defeat following his loss to Nong-O Hama by decision in May. Before hitting the rough patch, he was on a three-fight winning streak.

Meanwhile, Imangazaliev has been undefeated in six matches since making his ONE Championship debut in July 2024. Five of his victories came by way of knockout, including his last match in August, where he stopped Thai Panpayak Jitmuangnon in the opening round.

ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev is available live in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Kongthoranee draws inspiration from his son

Apart from breaking his two-fight slide, serving as motivation as well for Kongthoranee at ONE Fight Night 39, and for all his fights, for that matter, is his son. He shared that when training gets tough, he turns to his family to pick himself up.

He spoke about it in an interview with ONE Championship last year, saying:

“My son is probably the biggest motivation, and also, like, just the place for me to feel happy, he’s my happiness, basically. So like, when I get exhausted, I get tired, I call my family, I call him to just get that power back, get that strength back.”

Kongthoranee (11-4) has been competing in ONE Championship since 2023 and has been a steady force in the Muay Thai lane with his solid blend of punching and clinching game. He earned a six-figure contract to be part of ONE’s main roster in April 2024 when he defeated fellow Thai Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi.