Nontachai Jitmuangnon Plans To Walk Through Semih Sah Cindir At ONE Friday Fights 145
Nontachai Jitmuangnon has something to prove this Friday, and he’s not hiding it.
The 26-year-old Thai featherweight returns to ONE Friday Fights 145 on March 6 at Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium, where he faces Turkish newcomer Semih Sah Cindir in a featherweight Muay Thai clash that carries significant career implications for the Jitmuangnon Gym representative.
Nontachai has done his homework. Cindir’s aggressive, boxing-heavy style and constant forward pressure make him a genuine threat — but a very specific one that he believes he can neutralize.
“Semih Sah is a really aggressive fighter,” Nontachai said. “He has a very boxing-heavy style and uses a lot of footwork since he has a background in boxing. However, this is his first time using the small 4-ounce gloves. While that makes his punches even more dangerous, I think he’ll struggle defensively. You just can’t hide behind those tiny gloves the way you can with big ones.”
The 4-ounce adjustment is a familiar challenge for every fighter making their ONE Championship debut, and Nontachai — a veteran of five appearances inside Lumpinee with those gloves — intends to exploit that learning curve from the opening bell.
“I plan to stay tight defensively and use my superior ring craft,” he said. “If I can close the distance and smother his punches, his danger level drops significantly.”
But the game plan goes beyond surviving Cindir’s hands. Nontachai has heard the critics who felt his style lacked finishing instinct, and he’s been reshaping his arsenal in response.
“This time, you’re going to see a new version of Nontachai,” he said. “I’m not just a kicker anymore — I’ve added a lot more boxing and knees to my arsenal. I expect things to heat up right from the first round. I want to earn my spot back on the main roster.”
Win on Friday, and a rematch with Abdulla Dayakaev, the man who knocked him out in just 24 seconds at ONE Fight Night 33 last July, becomes the next chapter.
“I haven’t forgotten about Abdulla,” Nontachai said. “Once I get past this fight, I want the chance to run it back and get my revenge.”
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