Kongthoranee Eyes Flyweight Belt Through Naito Rematch

A vacant flyweight kickboxing championship has Kongthoranee Sor Sommai eyeing his rematch with Taiki Naito as the gateway to a title shot.

The two meet Nov. 6 in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 49 from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, as reported by BJPenn.com. Their first encounter ended with Kongthoranee taking a decision under Muay Thai rules at ONE Friday Fights 37 in October 2023. The Thai fighter has since made one kickboxing appearance, outpointing Yuan Pengjie at The Inner Circle 32.

Thai Veteran Sees Title Path Opening

The 29-year-old holds three Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai world titles and believes the open belt creates a clear route forward. "I view this as a huge opportunity," Kongthoranee said. His plan centers on using the Naito fight to position himself for championship consideration in a division that currently has no titleholder.

Naito carries a 39-14 record and formerly held the Shoot Boxing Japan title. The 30-year-old from Bell Wood Fight Team has won his last three bouts, most recently stopping Hyu Iwata at ONE SAMURAI 1. He expects the switch to kickboxing rules will shift the dynamic heavily in his favor, particularly in the pocket. "I'm sure I'm better" when it comes to punching mechanics and accuracy, Naito said, adding that his deeper kickboxing résumé should prove decisive.

The card streams live in U.S. primetime on Prime Video. Naito has indicated he intends to return to Muay Thai competition after chasing the kickboxing strap.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Kongthoranee sees vacant flyweight kickboxing gold beyond Taiki Naito rematch