Jitmuangnon Eyes ONE Title Shot With Nabati Win

Nontachai Jitmuangnon believes a fourth straight win puts him in the ONE Championship World Title conversation.

The Thai bantamweight meets Kiamran Nabati in the main event of The Inner Circle 31 this Friday at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, per BJ Penn. The bout was delayed twice from its original August date. Jitmuangnon has won three consecutive fights since capturing the Road to ONE: Thailand tournament, including a decision over former World Title challenger Felipe Lobo and a third-round TKO of Semih Sah Cindir.

Game Plan Against Russian Counter Striker

Nabati arrives following his first professional loss to newly crowned champion Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri. Jitmuangnon said his corner identified a pattern in the Russian's counter game that he plans to exploit. "He loves catching legs to counter with heavy punches, which is a big danger zone for me. I'll be throwing feints. When I do kick, I'm aiming straight for the head so he can't catch it," he said. "We did our homework, so I'm not giving him the chance to counter-strike."

Jitmuangnon has never won four consecutive fights in ONE Championship. He is already looking past Friday toward the belt itself and a potential matchup with the man who handed Nabati his only defeat. "If I pull off this win over Kiamran, it'll be my fourth straight victory. I really want to keep this momentum going. Honestly, my eyes are set on the belt now," he said.

Jitmuangnon said he has the tools to break down Yod-IQ if given the chance. The Inner Circle 31 streams live Friday from Bangkok.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Nontachai Jitmuangnon eyes ONE World Title shot with win over Kiamran Nabati at The Inner Circle 31