‘I’m Ready To Use My Heavy Left Kick’ – Sam-A Promises Rough Strawweight Welcome For Jaosuayai
Living legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao understands exactly what awaits him at ONE Championship’s highly anticipated year-end spectacle ONE Friday Fights 137, and he knows the challenge will arrive fast and aggressive.
The former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion will welcome Thai compatriot Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi to the strawweight Muay Thai division at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium this Friday, December 19.
After spending his promotional tenure in the flyweight Muay Thai ranks, Jaosuayai has decided to move down a weight class and compete in the living legend’s primary division.
That transition, Sam-A believes, brings questions that can only be answered inside the ring.
The veteran acknowledged the danger posed by his younger opponent, especially in the opening exchanges where Jaosuayai’s movement and combinations could dictate the pace.
Sam-A said:
“I heard that Jaosuayai would be dropping down to the strawweight division, and I figured we’d meet one day, but I didn’t expect it to happen so fast that I’d be the one initiating him into the division.
“Jaosuayai is an agile fighter with sharp punches. His striking and footwork are fast. He’s a well-rounded, modern fighter.”
With more than 400 bouts across his illustrious career, Sam-A has spent decades competing against the greatest strikers on the planet, and that experience has taught him where transitions can expose even the most talented athletes.
Most recently, he rebounded from a second-round knockdown to score one of his own late in the third frame, sealing a unanimous decision victory over Myanmar’s lethwei sensation Thway Lin Htet at ONE Friday Fights 126 this past September.
For the 42-year-old icon, Jaosuayai’s move into a new weight class represents a key variable that could reshape the fight.
Sam-A elaborated:
“Looking at his physique, Jaosuayai is well-suited for the strawweight division. But when he steps [into the ring] at this weight, we have to see if his power and endurance will be the same.
“Crucially, we need to see if he can take a shot because dropping down a weight class always comes with side effects. We’ll see how well he performs when he actually fights.”
Jaosuayai has built a strong resume at flyweight, collecting eight promotional victories with six coming by stoppage.
However, following a decision loss to Akif “King” Guluzada at ONE Fight Night 36 this past October, the 24-year-old Thai knockout artist realized his body was better suited at a lower weight class. With that, he dropped down in search of a fresh start.
Having ruled both flyweight and strawweight during his World Championship reign, Sam-A has lived through those physical adjustments himself and believes they offer a clear opening.
He said:
“Jaosuayai’s loss to Akif came from a mistake similar to mine – he was dropped early and couldn’t catch up, which led to the loss. As for his weakness, since he dropped a weight class for this fight, I’m ready to use my heavy left kick to punish him.
“I still have all my Muay Thai weapons in my arsenal, and I’m prepared to give my junior a warm welcome to the strawweight division. Even at 42, I think my body is in better condition than when I fought Thway Lin Htet because my training camp has been longer. I’m fully prepared to fight now.”
Sam-A Chases Another Bid At ONE Championship Gold
Beyond the tactical battle, the matchup with Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi at ONE Friday Fights 137 carries deeper meaning for Sam-A Gaiyanghadao.
After rebounding from setbacks and proving he can still compete against the strawweight division’s top strikers, the Evolve MMA representative views this match as a crucial step toward some unfinished business.
For him, the motivation extends beyond legacy maintenance. It is also about reaching the summit one more time.
He said:
“If I can get past Jaosuayai, there might be some surprises in store. Jaosuayai is a skilled and well-known fighter, so defeating him will definitely boost my confidence and give me a clearer path to pursue my goals for success. The chance to compete for a title again might not be far off.
“The goal of every fighter is to become a champion. Since I’m getting older, I want one more chance to touch that success again. If I can win ONE gold before retiring, I will feel like I’ve successfully completed my duty and can be fully proud of my achievements.”
Despite historic achievements across Muay Thai and kickboxing, a specific moment continues to linger in Sam-A’s mind.
At ONE 172 earlier this year, the decorated striker challenged Jonathan Di Bella for the ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Title. But after a fast-paced five-round battle, he was forced to accept defeat.
Sam-A would love the opportunity to challenge the Italian-Canadian superstar in a rematch for the undisputed kickboxing crown, and he would also like the chance to face his old rival Prajanchai PK Saenchai for the division’s Muay Thai gold.
Sam-A offered:
“I still regret missing out on the kickboxing title. That day wasn’t my day. I missed my rhythm and got injured. If everything lines up, I want to go back, prove myself, and challenge for the belt again, in both Muay Thai and kickboxing rules.”
