Thai icon Sam-A Gaiyanghadao refuses to let age dictate his legacy. The 42-year-old Thai legend returns to action on Friday, December 19, when he welcomes Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi to ONE Championship’s strawweight Muay Thai division at ONE Friday Fights 137, broadcasting live from Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium. After suffering a devastating setback in his pursuit of kickboxing gold earlier this year, Sam-A rebounded with renewed determination and believes another World Title run remains within reach. Standing across from him is a rising contender making his strawweight debut, but the living legend plans to deliver a harsh welcoming gift as he builds momentum toward reclaiming championship glory.

The Legend Refuses To Fade

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao desperately craves one more moment in the World Title spotlight. The Evolve MMA representative has already achieved what most fighters only dream about, capturing the inaugural ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title, ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title, and ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title during his illustrious career. His trophy case overflows with accolades that cement his status as one of combat sports' all-time greats.

This past March, Sam-A appeared poised to add another belt to his collection when he challenged Jonathan Di Bella for the ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Title. The opportunity represented a chance to prove his championship pedigree remained intact despite advancing years. However, the Italian-Canadian standout dismantled the Thai icon, claiming victory and leaving Sam-A to contemplate whether his title-winning days had passed.

The defeat sparked inevitable questions about retirement and whether the 42-year-old should hang up his gloves. Sam-A heard the doubters, but he dismissed their concerns entirely. Rather than accepting a diminished role, he returned to training with fierce determination, convincing himself that one more World Title run remained possible. That belief became reality when he dominated lethwei star Thway Lin Htet at ONE Friday Fights 126 this past September, earning a decisive victory that reignited his championship aspirations.

"After fighting Di Bella, I took quite a long break. Beating Thway Lin Htet really helped me feel energetic and, yes, it definitely brought my confidence back," Sam-A confessed. "Since I'm older now, my training really focuses on endurance and boosting my overall strength. I need to have the power to sustain the fight against these younger guys for all three or five rounds.”

No Mercy For The New Arrival

Sam-A faces another young challenger at ONE Championship's final event of 2025, as he welcomes Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi to the strawweight Muay Thai division. The matchup pits experience against youth in a classic generational clash that will test both fighters' resolve.

Jaosuayai built an impressive résumé competing at flyweight, earning his six-figure contract with the organization and assembling a winning streak that suggested championship potential. The Thai appeared destined for title contention until he encountered a significant obstacle – that being Akif Guluzada this past August. The Azerbaijani fighter's size and power proved too much, handing Jaosuayai a defeat that forced him to reevaluate his career.

That loss prompted Jaosuayai's move to strawweight, where he hopes his natural size will provide competitive advantages. However, dropping weight classes means facing seasoned veterans like Sam-A, who have spent years mastering the division's unique challenges. The living legend sees vulnerabilities in his opponent's game and plans to exploit them mercilessly.

"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," Sam-A said. "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.”

ONE Final Championship Push

Victory over Jaosuayai represents more than just another win for Sam-A – it’s a critical step toward the ultimate prize he still covets. The Thai veteran harbors specific targets in his quest for championship redemption, with both undisputed ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Di Bella and ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai squarely in his sights.

The Di Bella defeat continues haunting Sam-A, who believes circumstances beyond his control contributed to the loss. He wants another opportunity to prove that March performance didn't accurately reflect his capabilities. Meanwhile, reclaiming the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title from Prajanchai would complete a redemption arc worthy of his legendary status.

Sam-A understands time is running out. At 42 years old, every fight could potentially be his last, which adds urgency to his championship pursuit. Rather than fading quietly into retirement, he's determined to leave on his own terms – preferably with gold around his waist. This final run isn't about prolonging his career unnecessarily; it's about proving he still belongs among the elite and silencing those who wrote him off after the Di Bella setback.

"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," Sam-A declared.

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