Taiki Naito targets Jaosuayai and Nong-O after breaking Johan Estupinan’s immaculate record

Japanese Muay Thai star Taiki Naito is looking at his next options following his impressive victory last week. He is interested in touching gloves against Thai fighters Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi and Nong-O Hama. The 'Silent Sniper' was among the winners at ONE Fight Night 32: Nakrob vs. Jaosuayai on Prime Video on June 6 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. He defeated erstwhile streaking rising star Johan Estupinan by majority decision in their flyweight Muay Thai showdown.

In an interview with combat sports journalist Nick Artkin following his victory, Taiki Naito shared his thoughts on who could be possibly next for him. He pointed to Jaosuayai and Nong-O as potential opponents.

The 29-year-old Bell Wood Fight Team affiliate said:

"First, if towards Jaosuayai, it's going to be a very good punching fight because I’ve also improved my punch skills, too. And then the next one is going to be Nong-O, because I know he is kind of like my teacher."

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Watch the interview below:

In winning over Estupinan, Taiki Naito banked on his excellent counter-striking, even dropping the Colombian star in round two with a clean left hook. The knockdown proved to be a huge difference-maker in him claiming the majority decision win.

The victory halted Naito's two-game slide while sending Estupinan to his first defeat in six matches in ONE Championship.

The full replay of ONE Fight Night 32 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in North America.

Taiki Naito hoping win over Johan Estupinan would catapult him to title contention

Taiki Naito had grand hopes in trying to get a win over Johan Estupinan at ONE Fight Night 32. Particularly, he wanted to enhance his case for a shot at the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title.

He opened up about it in the lead-up to his most recent match, telling the Bangkok Post in an interview:

"I think he (Estupinan) is a high-profile fighter, and if I could win this fight, I think I could go back into the title race."

Naito delivered on his goal as he went on to beat Estupinan at ONE Fight Night 32 by majority decision.

Currently, the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title is vacant and is being keenly eyed by the top fighters in the division.

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Michael Murillo is a journalist who covers basketball and MMA at Sportskeeda with over two decades of experience. Michael has contributed as a proofreader, columnist and journalist for the Philippine broadsheet BusinessWorld.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in English Studies, basketball caught Michael's imagination from an early age. Varsity basketball helped Michael to express himself, and later, it opened doors into the world of journalism.

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Edited by Krishna Venki