Nong-O Kaiyanghadaogym

Apichet Kotanon is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter widely recognized by his ring name Nong-O Hama. He currently competes in ONE Championship and holds the distinction of being the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion. His career spans over two decades, marked by dominance in traditional Thai stadiums and a successful transition to international mixed martial arts promotion.

As of late 2026, he remains an active competitor ranked third in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai division. Known for his technical precision and devastating left leg kicks, Nong-O has built a reputation as one of the most skilled technicians in the sport's history. He continues to train at high levels while preparing for upcoming Grand Prix events against top-tier opponents like Rodtang Jitmuangnon. [edit]

Born in Sakon Nakhon province in northeastern Thailand, Apichet grew up in a region where Muay Thai is not just a sport but a way of life. The area produces many elite fighters who start training as young children in local camps. Like countless others from this fighting heartland, he entered the gym circuit early to learn the ancient art of eight limbs. His natural aptitude for the sport became apparent quickly, leading him to train under some of the most respected coaches in the region.

Before achieving global fame, he spent years climbing the ranks of Thailand's prestigious stadium circuits. He honed his craft on the dirt floors of Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium, facing the toughest veterans of the era. This period was defined by grueling daily training sessions and countless amateur bouts that built the foundation for his future success. He adopted the nickname Nong-O Gaiyanghadao early in his career, taking it from a five-star grilled chicken brand that sponsored his gym. This name became synonymous with his aggressive yet technical style during the golden age of traditional Muay Thai. [edit]

Nong-O's breakthrough came through his incredible run in the traditional stadium system where he became a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion and a one-time Rajadamnern Stadium champion. These titles are considered the highest honors in Muay Thai, reserved only for fighters who have proven themselves against the best in the country. His dominance earned him Fighter of the Year awards in both 2005 and 2010, cementing his status as a legend of the old school.

After stepping back from full-time stadium competition around 2015, he transitioned into coaching at Evolve MMA in Singapore, Asia's premier martial arts academy. He served as a head instructor there until September 2022, helping shape the next generation of fighters. In April 2018, he made his highly anticipated return to active competition with ONE Championship. He captured the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship title and successfully defended it multiple times, proving his skills translated perfectly to the octagon format.

His recent career phase has seen him move up to the flyweight division. By September 2026, he had climbed to the number three spot in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai rankings. He is currently scheduled to face Rodtang Jitmuangnon in the November 2026 Grand Prix, a matchup billed as a clash between two of the greatest fighters of their generation. [edit]

The public perceives Nong-O as the epitome of the Muay Thai technician. Unlike the brawlers who rely solely on power, he is viewed as a master strategist who outsmarts opponents with footwork and timing. His image is that of a respectful elder statesman of the sport who carries himself with dignity both inside and outside the ring. Media coverage often highlights his calm demeanor and professional attitude, contrasting him with more volatile fighters. He is seen as a bridge between the traditional Thai stadium era and modern international combat sports. [edit]

While Nong-O commands immense respect within the combat sports community, iFANN has not yet collected specific fame data for him in the November 2026 rankings. He does not appear on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. His fame is concentrated among hardcore Muay Thai fans and MMA enthusiasts rather than the general pop-culture audience.

His fanbase consists primarily of dedicated martial arts followers who appreciate technical excellence over flashiness. There is no formal name for his supporters, but they are known for analyzing his fight tapes and celebrating his technical victories. Fans often gather online to discuss his strategies and share clips of his legendary left kicks. The relationship between Nong-O and his fans is built on mutual respect for the art form, with him frequently engaging in Q&A sessions about technique and training philosophy. [edit]

Nong-O is famous for his devastating left middle kick which he can throw with such speed and power that it often ends fights in the first round. Fans often refer to his technique as 'the surgeon's cut' because of its surgical precision. He is also known for wearing traditional Mongkol and Pra Jiad armbands before every fight, a ritual he performs with deep reverence regardless of the venue or crowd size. His Instagram bio proudly lists him as a seven-time ONE Championship world champion across different weight classes, a feat few fighters have ever achieved. Another interesting fact is that he speaks fluent English despite starting his career in rural Thailand, a skill that helped him become a popular coach at Evolve MMA. [edit]

Apichet comes from a family deeply rooted in the culture of Sakon Nakhon, where his father likely introduced him to the ropes of the ring. While he keeps his private life very quiet, he occasionally shares glimpses of his home life on social media, showing his dedication to maintaining a balanced lifestyle away from the spotlight. He does not publicly discuss his parents or siblings, preferring to let his performance speak for itself. There are no confirmed reports of a spouse or children at this time, suggesting he focuses entirely on his athletic pursuits and coaching duties. [edit]

Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Felipe Lobo, Evolve MMA, ONE Championship, Lumpinee Stadium[edit]

Apichet Kotanon maintains a very private personal life, and no public records confirm any romantic relationships, marriages, or engagements. He rarely discusses his dating life in interviews, choosing to keep his focus strictly on his athletic career. As of 2026, there are no verified reports of a current partner or spouse. This privacy is common among veteran Muay Thai fighters who prefer to shield their families from the intense scrutiny of the media. Fans respect his decision to keep his personal affairs out of the public eye. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team estimates Nong-O's net worth at approximately $500,000 as of 2026. This figure reflects his earnings from prize money in ONE Championship bouts, his tenure as a head instructor at Evolve MMA in Singapore, and various sponsorship deals with Thai and international brands. While exact purse details for individual fights remain private, his long-standing career in Thailand's lucrative stadium circuit likely contributed significantly to his initial wealth accumulation. His coaching role at Evolve provided a steady income stream for several years before his return to active fighting. [edit]

Nong-O has won two major Fighter of the Year awards in 2005 and 2010. He holds the record for being a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion and a one-time Rajadamnern Stadium champion. His crowning achievement remains winning the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship title. [edit]