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3 fights that could steal the show on the Stacked ONE Friday Fights 81 card

ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut brings some of the biggest striking stars in the world to prime time in Asia on September 27.

The jam-packed program is headlined by the epic featherweight Muay Thai battle between #1 ranked challenger Superbon and #2 ranked “Smokin'” Jo Nattawut, but audiences are treated to entertaining fights from top to bottom on the consistently impressive program.

Here are three supporting cast fights that could steal the show when the action kicks off at the famous Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

#1 Nong-O vs Kiamran Nabati

The Muay Thai bantamweight bout between Nong-O Hama and Kiamran Nabati pits the old guard against a rising star chasing the division's elite.

Former and long-time Muay Thai One Bantamweight World Champion Nong-O dominated the division for years before falling behind two fights in a row, but he believes he still has one more shot at the gold in him.

The Thai icon proved he is still a force to be reckoned with when he returned to winning ways against “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai in April.

However, Nabati is in impressive form and has a perfect record of 21-0 with three wins in the world's largest combat sports organization.

The Russian knows that a win over a legend like Nong-O would instantly catapult him into contention, and he believes he has what it takes to accomplish that feat.

Both men possess incredible punching power and a tremendous motivation to win, which will bring out the best in them on September 27th.

#2 Suablack vs Kulabdam

Another bantamweight Muay Thai fight is expected to electrify the crowd at Lumpinee Stadium as Kulabdam takes on Suablack Tor Pran49.

Both were on a rapid upward trend with good winning streaks and many placings before they suffered setbacks. Now they are motivated by the chance to get back on the winning track.

Kulabdam was on a four-fight winning streak, scoring three straight knockouts before losing to Nong-O and Nabil Anane, but the battle-hardened veteran has proven himself in his ONE tenure and his heart is unquestionable.

In the opposite corner, Suablack went 6-0 with four knockouts in ONE before coming out on top against Kiamran Nabati, but he believes he can get back on track against a big name.

As a multi-division Muay Thai world champion, “Left Meteorite” knows what it takes to get to the top, and his notorious power means victory is always just one punch away.

Suablack is hungry to assert himself among the elite bantamweight division. Kulabdam's scalp would be just that, so he is aiming for a dramatic finish.

#3 Ilias Ennahachi vs. Hiroki Akimoto

Two former ONE world champions will try to make their mark in the strong ranks of bantamweight kickboxers when Ilias Ennahachi meets Hiroki Akimoto.

Currently ranked No. 2, Akimoto is still highly regarded in the division he once dominated, but after two consecutive losses, he desperately needs a win to stay within striking distance of the leaders.

Ennahachi was the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion until he dropped the belt to move up in weight, and he has looked strong since moving up.

As the only man to defeat the current king of two sports and two divisions, Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9, during his tenure at ONE, the Dutchman with Moroccan roots has shown he can beat the best of the best.

Few have been able to match Ennahachi's work ethic and performance, but Akimoto could be that man and the clash between the two high-performance strikers is likely to provide unprecedented intensity as both aim for an important win in Bangkok.

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