ONE Championship: “I had to stay tight”

Veteran Muay Thai and kickboxer Sam-A Gaiyanghadao knows better than to relax against knockout artists, even after they’ve been dropped for the count.

The former two-sport and two-division ONE championship world champion defeated Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi by unanimous decision in their heavyweight Muay Thai bout on Friday, December 19.

During his post-fight interview with ONE Championship after he scored a crushing victory over his fellow Thai at ONE Friday Fights 137, the Evolve MMA martial artist revealed the respect he maintained for his opponent’s strength throughout their three-round battle.

“At that moment, he threw a hook, so I stepped back and threw a left hook,” Sam-A shared, describing the knockout sequence.

“Even after getting the first count, I still couldn’t underestimate him because he’s a really good player. I had to stay tight and be careful all the time. [It] “It was painful because the punches were very fast and very heavy.”

This myth-wary approach shows the danger that Jaosuayai brings to every exchange. The 24-year-old Sor Dechapan fighter enters carrying six knockout victories from the promotion’s eight victories in the flyweight division, making him one of ONE Championship’s most dangerous winners.

His devastating power overwhelmed opponents like Denis Buric, Nakrop Vertex, Yudlikbet or Acharya during a five-fight winning streak that ended with his loss in October to Akif Golozada.

Sam-A’s admission that Jaosuayai remained a threat reveals the mindset of an experienced fighter. The 42-year-old legend realized that wounded fighters with knockout power become more dangerous when desperate.

Full replay of ONE Friday Fights 137: Tawanchai vs. Liu is available to watch on the ONE Championship YouTube channel, the ONE Super App, and watch.onefc.com. Geographic restrictions may apply.

Sam-A says he would be honored to have another chance to win one world title

In the same interview with ONE Championship, the living legend, with over 400 fights under his belt, admitted that he would like to compete again in the coveted ONE Championship Muay Thai or kickboxing tournament.

The 42-year-old added: “I want to have a chance to win the title because at this age, if I can get another chance to win the title, that would be a great thing, regardless of who is the champion.”

Based on his dominant display against Jaosuayai, a man almost half his age, it’s safe to say that Sam-A has a lot left in the tank to add another glorious chapter to his illustrious career.