Sam-A Gaiyanghadao is aware of what the calendar says. At 42 years outdated, the Thai legend doesn’t have limitless possibilities left.
The previous two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion beat Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi by unanimous resolution at ONE Friday Fights 137 on December 19 inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The victory saved his championship desires alive towards a 24-year-old knockout artist making his strawweight debut.
Jaosuayai opened the struggle precisely the way you’d anticipate a younger gun to begin. He threw onerous punches and thunderous kicks that pushed the veteran backward. The Sor Dechapan product seemed quick and harmful. However Sam-A stayed affected person by means of the storm.
The Evolve MMA consultant discovered his opening in spherical two. He caught Jaosuayai with a superbly timed counter left hook that dropped the phenom for the primary knockdown. The youthful fighter rallied onerous, backing Sam-A to the ropes with large punches and elbows. However the veteran southpaw hung robust and landed an uppercut-left cross mixture for the second knockdown.
Sam-A Gaiyanghadao targets title shot after career-defining victory
The win proved decisive. Sam-A seized management within the third spherical with sharp elbows and artful counters to seal the unanimous resolution. The efficiency improved his report to 377-50 and positioned him for one last championship run.
Two paths exist towards gold. He may chase a rematch with Jonathan Di Bella for the unified ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title after falling quick at ONE 172 earlier this yr. Or he may pursue a trilogy struggle with Prajanchai PK Saenchai for the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title.
“I need to get a title shot as a result of at this age, if I may get one shot on the title, it will be one thing nice,” he mentioned.
The Muay Thai path requires endurance. Prajanchai faces Aliff Sor Dechapan subsequent after the Thai-Malaysian prospect earned his shot by beating Ramadan Ondash at ONE Battle Evening 38. Sam-A believes the champion’s craftiness provides him the sting.
“On this matchup, Aliff is a tall fighter who’s troublesome to struggle,” he mentioned. “I believe it would go the space with their types. I favor Prajanchai due to his angles and craftiness.”
Sam-A predicted Jaosuayai’s energy would possibly diminish after dropping weight courses. That learn proved correct. The veteran capitalized on these weaknesses to safe the largest win of his comeback and probably earn one other shot at greatness earlier than time runs out.
