‘The Cut Was Very Deep’ – Prajanchai Reflects On World Title Stoppage Win Over Ellis Badr Barboza
The main event of ONE Fight Night 28 on Prime Video saw reigning two-sport kingpin Prajanchai PK Saenchai turn in a flawless performance against heavy-handed Brit Ellis “El Jefe” Badr Barboza to successfully defend his ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title.
That high-stakes clash went down in front of a raucous Thai crowd at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium and aired live in U.S. primetime last Friday, February 7.
While Barboza showcased undeniable grit and toughness, Prajanchai looked to be in the best shape of his legendary career, which has already cemented him as one of the planet’s top pound-for-pound strikers.
The Thai employed his speedy boxing and dynamic kicking game throughout the opening rounds, dominating much of the action in a one-way beatdown and Muay Thai masterclass.
Still, Prajanchai credited the challenger for his skill and savvy. He told onefc.com:
“I think [Barboza] did quite well today because he is a skilled fighter and his defensive tactics are also quite good.”
In the fourth round, Prajanchai landed a picture-perfect elbow strike that immediately opened up a massive cut over “El Jefe’s” eye. Moments later, the ringside physician called an end to the bout, ruling that Barboza could no longer safely continue.
The moment he landed the elbow, Prajanchai knew the fight was over:
“I was very confident [the fight would be stopped] because the cut was very deep, and I was confident that the medical team would stop the fight.”
For the 30-year-old titleholder, the victory marked one of the finest performances of his 400-plus professional fight career – against a dangerous and hungry young contender, no less.
What’s more, the win earned Prajanchai a rare US$100,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
The Thai superstar said he plans to be smart with that money, putting much of it away for his loved ones:
“I think I would have to save that [money] for my family, for my parents, and also my kid.”
Prajanchai Hopes For Rematch With Jonathan Di Bella
With his victory over Ellis Badr Barboza at ONE Fight Night 28, Prajanchai PK Saenchai further established himself as one of Muay Thai’s most dominant World Champions.
But “the art of eight limbs” isn’t his only sport – he’s also the current ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion.
With no shortage of contenders in either sport, Prajanchai said he’s not picky about who he fights next:
“I would rather not choose. I am ready to defend both belts.”
However, when forced to name one opponent he’d like to face, Prajanchai brought up former foe Jonathan Di Bella, who is set to battle Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Title on March 23 at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang.
The Thai defeated Di Bella last June, scoring a closely contested decision to capture the undisputed ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title.
Some fans disagreed with that decision, and Prajanchai is motivated to erase any doubts about his status:
“Well, I don’t have any names in mind right now in terms of Muay Thai, but in kickboxing, I would like to face Jonathan Di Bella.”
