ONE Championship: Nabati will ‘hunt for Nong-O’s head’, then ‘take out Carrillo’s heart’

Kiamran Nabati has promised more violent KOs in ONE Championship, starting with Nong-O Hama at ONE Friday Fights 81 this weekend, and then No 1 contender Nico Carrillo.
After a stunning knockout of Thailand’s Suablack in June, the Russian will look to enter ONE’s bantamweight Muay Thai rankings with a win over the former champ Nong-O at Lumpinee Stadium.
Both men passed hydration and made weight at Thursday afternoon’s official checks in Bangkok, setting the stage for a thrilling co-main event.
“Of course brother, I will hunt for his head, you know, because everybody knows Nong-O,” Nabati told the Bangkok Post ahead of the fight. 
“If I land on him, I think it will be a big knockout. But I don’t think about the knockout. I will be doing everything for the win. I’m ready for all three rounds, for a war. I’m ready for everything.
“I know he is dangerous. I know he is different. Nong-O has big experience. I respect this guy. 
“I started my training camp two weeks after my last fight. I did hard sparring with hard guys. For me this fight is a big opportunity. After this fight I will show the world who I am.
“I want to make my mark in the history of the sport of Muay Thai, fighting someone like Nong-O will do exactly that.”
No 3-ranked Nong-O got back in the win column with a decision over Kulabdam in April, following two knockout defeats by Jonathan Haggerty and Scotland’s Carrillo in 2023.
That victory propelled Carrillo to the No 1 spot in the division, and a potential title shot against new champ Superlek, but Nabati believes he will face the “King of the North” soon enough.
“The fight with Nico Carrillo will be a big event,” Nabati said. “I’m confident I will take out his heart. I want this fight, but now I’m focusing on Nong-O. I don’t think about Nico now.”
Nong-O does not plan on making it easy for Nabati, and insists he has prepared accordingly for the powerful Russian.
“I have studied Kiamran before many times, I think Kiamran is a very good fighter, with scary punches, and he is also fast,” the 37-year-old Thai said. 
“To win, I have a good plan and a good strategy, not only the low kicks but I’ve got various weapons to throw such as elbows and knees too.
“I’m aware I’m getting older, but I just need to be a little bit more prepared, with more training and good food. Let’s see in the ring on Friday.”