‘I’m Not Scared Of You’ – Nontachai Fires Warning Shot At Kiamran Nabati Ahead Of The Inner Circle 31
The Thai force plans to use his opponent as a stepping stone to 26 pounds of gold.
By Kriel Ibarrola
Sep 16, 2026, 02:13 UTC
Nontachai Jitmuangnon has been waiting for this moment longer than expected, and that extra time has only made him more dangerous.
The Thai standout is finally set for his bantamweight Muay Thai showdown against Kiamran Nabati in the main event of The Inner Circle 31 on Friday, September 18. The full card streams exclusively for members at live.onefc.com from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.
The lead-up to this highly anticipated matchup has faced a pair of unfortunate delays. The most recent, scheduled for ONE Fight Night 46 in August, fell through after a sudden illness forced Nontachai out and left their business unsettled.
Rather than letting the delay erode his momentum, the Jitmuangnon Gym product channeled the extra weeks into targeted, purposeful preparation, utilizing the extended camp to sharpen his extensive striking arsenal.
He said:
“Pushing it back a month ended up being a blessing in disguise. It gave me more time to train and get my body into peak shape.
“Sure, Kiamran got extra time too, but I don’t see that as an issue. Every fighter puts in the work regardless. I trained as hard as I could and prepped every tool in my arsenal.”
Since winning the Road to ONE: Thailand tournament, Nontachai has evolved into a far more cerebral fighter. That intellectual growth has powered an impressive three-fight winning streak that now faces its most daunting test yet.
The Chumphon native knows Nabati will arrive sharper and more determined after absorbing his first professional defeat to newly crowned ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri. Working closely with his corner, Nontachai has already identified a specific and exploitable pattern in the Russian mauler’s game.
The 27-year-old said:
“He loves catching legs to counter with heavy punches, which is a big danger zone for me. I’ll be throwing feints. When I do kick, I’m aiming straight for the head so he can’t catch it, or mixing up leg kicks to keep him guessing.
“We did our homework, so I’m not giving him the chance to counter-strike. On the inside, I’ve sharpened my elbows and knees specifically to neutralize his boxing. I’ll still push the pace and press forward just like we originally planned.”
Nontachai has always carried a fierce chip on his shoulder, but those who have watched him closely understand exactly what he is capable of when fully dialed in.
This Friday represents the most significant opportunity of his ONE tenure, a main event spotlight that would silence anyone who still needs convincing.
He said:
“Last month I said I wasn’t at a disadvantage against him, and I’m still confident about that. My message to him stays the same: don’t underestimate me.
“I’m giving it 100 percent. You’re definitely going to remember the name Nontachai. As for Kiamran, bring everything you’ve got. I’m not scared of you!”
Nontachai Has The Blueprint And The Belt In Sight
Nontachai Jitmuangnon knows Kiamran Nabati is no longer viewed as the unbeatable force the division once believed him to be. At The Inner Circle 15, Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri showed exactly how — pressing relentlessly forward, swarming Nabati’s counters and imposing his will across three punishing rounds.
The Thai sensation intends to add his own signature flair to that roadmap, hand Nabati back-to-back defeats, and aggressively pursue the newly crowned divisional king.
He said:
“If I pull off this win over Kiamran, it’ll be my fourth straight victory. I’ve never had a four-fight winning streak before, so I really want to keep this momentum going. Honestly, my eyes are set on the belt now.
“Looking at the title fight, it was pretty close, but Yod-IQ was the one constantly pressing forward. If I ever get my shot at Yod-IQ, I feel like I’ve got the tools to break him down.”
That absolute conviction is backed by results. A commanding victory over former World Title challenger Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo at ONE Fight Night 43 proved his place at the divisional summit.
Twenty-six pounds of gold is the destination, but the Thai tactician knows the path runs through a loaded weight class, and he is willing to clear out every contender standing in his way.
The Muay Femur stylist concluded:
“If I beat Kiamran, I’d love to ask for a title shot. But if the timing isn’t right, I’ll fight whoever the promotion puts in front of me.
“Abdulla wants a rematch, and I’d also love to test myself against Suakim since he’s on a great run right now.”
Related Event
Everything else you need to know about ONE Friday Fights 171 & The Inner Circle 31: Nabati vs. Nontachai.
