Kongthoranee Sor Sommai has clawed his way from regional obscurity to legitimate ONE World Title contention, and he refuses to surrender everything he’s built to become another stepping stone in Aslamjon Ortikov’s perfect ascent through the flyweight Muay Thai division.

The fourth-ranked contender faces the undefeated 22-year-old Uzbek sensation at ONE Fight Night 36: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella II on Prime Video on October 3, broadcasting live from Bangkok in U.S. primetime where calculated precision collides with explosive youth in a fight that both men promise won’t last long.

Ortikov’s meteoric rise has been impossible to ignore. His perfect 22-0 professional record has been constructed on devastating power and relentless aggression that have produced eight consecutive ONE victories, four by knockout. After obliterating Petsukumvit Boi Bangna to earn his $100,000 contract, the destroyer specifically requested Kongthoranee as his first main roster opponent.

The callout wasn’t accidental. Kongthoranee carries 11 victories against elite competition, split two wars with former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama, and survived against ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek. Even in defeat, the 28-year-old has proven he belongs among the sport’s greatest warriors.

“After I got the contract, I asked for him, and Mr. Chatri gave me that opportunity,” Ortikov said. “To be the best, you have to beat the best, so I am ready. That’s why I called him out.”

But Kongthoranee has studied the dangerous challenger and believes his calm, calculated approach is the perfect antidote for Ortikov’s venom. Training alongside ONE World Champions Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Prajanchai PK Saenchai has sharpened the multi-time Rajadamnern Stadium champion’s weapons, and he’s confident his persistence will expose the young fighter’s limitations as rounds accumulate.

Respect doesn’t translate to fear, however. Kongthoranee welcomes Ortikov’s taunting, tricky style as entertainment that will make their collision even more enjoyable. The Thai veteran intends to erase his opponent’s pristine record with a finish that shakes the division.

“The way I see it, someone’s getting carried out on a stretcher,” Kongthoranee declared. “If I make a mistake, I’ll go down, and if he makes one, he’ll go down. And I’m going to be the one to put him on that stretcher.”

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