Kongthoranee Sor Sommai, one of the top-five ranked flyweight Muay Thai contenders, is a fighter whose tattoos tell a powerful story—one that reflects not only his passion for the sport but also his personal journey and the individuals who have shaped his career. As he prepares for his highly anticipated rematch against former long-reigning ONE World Champion Nong-O Hama at ONE Fight Night 31 on May 2, Kongthoranee sat down to discuss the meaning behind the art that adorns his body.
The 28-year-old rising star has amassed nearly 100 professional fights over the course of his career, earning a reputation as a fierce and skilled competitor. But long before his ascent in the world of Muay Thai, Kongthoranee’s love for tattoos began more than a decade ago. His journey with body art started with a simple motivation: to look cool. His very first tattoo, a traditional koi fish inked on his leg, was chosen purely for aesthetic reasons. At that time, Kongthoranee was drawn to the koi’s visual appeal, unaware that tattoos would soon become an inseparable part of his identity—both inside and outside the ring.
As his career progressed, so did his passion for tattoos, and soon his body became a canvas reflecting his personal growth and his evolving sense of self. His tattoos, which cover various parts of his body, range from striking visual pieces to deeply symbolic designs. His imposing dragon chest piece, which is now one of his most recognizable tattoos, was chosen not just for its aesthetic value, but for its incredible visual impact. It is a statement of strength and power, one that reflects the fearsome warrior he has become in the ring.
But while Kongthoranee’s tattoos certainly give him an imposing appearance, not all of his ink was chosen for its visual appeal. Some pieces are deeply personal and symbolic, serving as a tribute to the people and experiences that have shaped his life and career. One such tattoo is a portrait of Sakulmetta, the owner of Sor Sommai Gym, where Kongthoranee has trained for much of his career. The tattoo, which serves as a permanent tribute to his mentor, is a reflection of the profound influence Sakulmetta has had on his life.
Kongthoranee credits Sakulmetta not only with helping him develop his fighting skills but also with guiding him through some of the most pivotal moments in his personal life. Over the past few years, as Kongthoranee’s rise through the ranks of ONE Championship has been nothing short of meteoric, his bond with Sakulmetta has deepened. The gym owner has been a constant source of support, helping him navigate the pressures and challenges of competing at the highest level.
With an impressive 13-2 record in ONE Championship, Kongthoranee’s career is marked by resilience, discipline, and the lessons he’s learned from his mentors, both inside and outside the ring. The tattoo of Sakulmetta, then, is not just a piece of body art—it is a symbol of gratitude and respect for the person who has helped shape Kongthoranee into the fighter he is today.
While Kongthoranee’s tattoos reflect the evolution of his career and his personal growth, they are also a testament to his deep connection with his heritage and the cultural significance of tattoos in Muay Thai. Tattoos in the sport are often seen as a rite of passage, marking milestones in a fighter’s career and symbolizing the sacrifices made along the way. For Kongthoranee, each tattoo is a reminder of his journey—a journey that began with a simple desire to look cool but evolved into something much more meaningful.
As he continues to build on his legacy in ONE Championship, Kongthoranee’s tattoos will remain a powerful representation of his identity as a fighter, a person, and a warrior. And while he prepares for his next big challenge in the ring, he can look at the ink on his body and remember the people, the struggles, and the victories that have shaped him into the champion he aspires to be.
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