Kongthoranee Sor Sommai has reached the crossroads moment that defines careers — consecutive losses creating questions about decline, critics wondering if his championship window has closed, and Friday’s co-main event against undefeated Asadula Imangazaliev threatening to confirm every doubt or silence every skeptic.

The two-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion enters ONE Fight Night 39 carrying the first two-fight losing streak of his ONE Championship tenure, having fallen via unanimous decision to legendary Nong-O Hama before absorbing a knockdown from undefeated Uzbek sensation Aslamjon Ortikov that ultimately secured another unanimous decision defeat.

The loss to Ortikov hurt. Kongthoranee had won eight of his first nine promotional bouts since debuting in 2023, including a stunning victory over Nong-O before losing the rematch. That run proved he belonged among the division’s elite when operating at his best. Now sitting at 11-4 in promotional competition despite an impressive 72-18 career record, he knows his back presses against the wall.

“Losing to Aslamjon left me disappointed and full of regret because we couldn’t secure the win,” Kongthoranee said. “But it’s okay, I’m ready to get back up and fight again.”

Standing in his redemption path is 22-year-old Imangazaliev, carrying a perfect 10-0 striking record and six promotional wins into his U.S. primetime debut. The Team Mehdi Zatout representative has collected five knockout victories in ONE, establishing himself as an unpredictable finisher who can finish opponents with flashy spinning attacks, devastating punches, and explosive kicks.

His last outing delivered a statement — a devastating head kick that ended Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Panpayak Jitmuangnon’s night in spectacular fashion last August. Kongthoranee watched that performance with the understanding that younger, hungrier fighters view him exactly as Imangazaliev viewed Panpayak — proven elite whose best days might exist in the rearview mirror.

“Asadula’s recent performance against Panpayak was incredible,” Kongthoranee said. “That head-kick knockout was so clinical. Beating a top-tier fighter like Panpayak shows that he is far from ordinary.”

The Thai veteran embraces his underdog status while rejecting the narrative it represents. Yes, he’s lost two straight. Yes, Imangazaliev carries dangerous momentum. But accepting stepping stone status means accepting career decline, and Kongthoranee refuses that designation.

“My next opponent is Asadula. His strength is definitely his speed,” Kongthoranee said. “He’s a complete fighter with dangerous punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. It’s true his record is impressive, but I’ve lost two in a row now. I want this win badly, and I will do my absolute best.”

The pressure of consecutive defeats has created fire rather than fear. For a fighter who’s spent his entire career winning more often than losing, the reality of back-to-back setbacks demands significant changes approaching Friday’s co-main event.

“Coming off two straight losses, I definitely feel the pressure,” Kongthoranee said. “I’ve never lost back-to-back before. Having lost two in a row makes me never want to feel that way again. It’s become the motivation that drives me to train harder and push myself further.”

Critics question whether his title contention window has closed, whether younger fighters like Imangazaliev represent the division’s future while he represents its past. Friday determines which narrative proves accurate.

“I refuse to be a stepping stone for him,” Kongthoranee said. “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. I am determined to redeem myself. I don’t want a third loss. You’re going to see a ‘new version’ of Kongthoranee.”

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