Kiamran Nabati Returns to ONE Championship After Ban, Faces Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri

Kiamran Nabati, the undefeated Dagestani Muay Thai fighter, is slated to return to the ONE Championship bantamweight division on May 22. Nabati will face Lumpinee Stadium favorite Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri in the main event of The Inner Circle, broadcast live on live.onefc.com in Asia primetime before ONE Friday Fights 155. This bout marks Nabati's first competitive appearance following a one-year ban.

Nabati's return comes after a dominant, albeit interrupted, run in ONE Championship. His record stands at an unblemished 23-0, built on a foundation of relentless pressure, precise footwork, and devastating striking power. His upcoming fight against Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri presents an opportunity to re-establish his presence in the stacked bantamweight Muay Thai division.

A Destroyer's Ascent

Nabati's journey in ONE Championship began with a notorious reputation and an 18-fight winning streak. His global stage debut at ONE Friday Fights 35 in September 2023 saw him dismantle veteran Pongsiri PK Saenchai, securing a unanimous decision. He continued his momentum at ONE Friday Fights 55 in March 2024, overwhelming Avatar PK Saenchai with a relentless offensive display, culminating in another dominant unanimous decision.

The First-Round Knockout

The Dagestani's power was fully unleashed at ONE Friday Fights 68 in June 2024 when he faced Suablack Tor Pran49, a fighter known for his knockout finishes. Nabati gave Suablack a taste of his own medicine, slipping a left hook and landing a devastating counter left punch that ended the fight in the first round. This spectacular knockout earned Nabati a US$100,000 contract and a place on ONE Championship’s global roster, solidifying his status as a top contender.

Facing Muay Thai Royalty

Nabati's perfect 3-0 run led him to his biggest challenge yet at ONE Friday Fights 81 in September 2024: former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama. Nong-O, widely considered the most dominant force in the division's history, had an unprecedented run of 10 consecutive ONE victories and seven successful title defenses. Despite facing a living legend, Nabati secured a hard-fought unanimous decision, a significant milestone in his career.

The Overturned Victory and Suspension

In January 2025, Nabati faced Ferrari Fairtex at ONE Friday Fights 95, delivering a highlight-reel knockout in the first round. However, this victory was later overturned to a no-contest due to a positive post-fight drug test, resulting in a one-year ban. Having served his suspension, Nabati is now poised to return with renewed determination.

Datos clave

| Fecha de regreso | 22 de mayo de 2026 |
| Oponente | Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri |
| Evento | The Inner Circle (antes de ONE Friday Fights 155) |
| Récord actual | 23-0 (profesional) |

Nabati’s return is a significant event for the bantamweight Muay Thai division, as he looks to prove that his time away has only made him more dangerous. The fight against Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri will be a crucial test of his current form and his ability to reclaim his position among the elite.

Fuente: Yahoo Sports – "The Return Of A Destroyer: Reliving Kiamran Nabati’s Unbeaten ONE Championship Run Ahead Of The Inner Circle On May 22" (https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/return-destroyer-reliving-kiamran-nabati-053134541.html)

Datos clave