“I was concerned about this” - Sam-A admits he was wary of Jaosuayai’s well-documented KO power

Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao was aware of the knockout power of Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi ahead of their scheduled clash earlier this month. He, however, was able to handle it, having studied his opponent well in the lead-up.

The former two-division, two-sport world champion was a unanimous decision winner over Jaosuayai in their strawweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE Friday Fights 137: Tawanchai vs. Liu on December 19 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Jaosuayai went down a weight class from his traditional lane of flyweight to face one of his Muay Thai heroes.

Sam-A, however, was every bit ready for what his younger opponent brought. He particularly was stellar in the second round, where he scored two telling knockdowns that considerably swung the favor to his side. The first came off a left hook in the middle of the ring and the second from a left uppercut-cross combination in the corner.

He continued to control the match in the third and final round, not allowing Jaosuayai to gain any significant headway en route to the convincing decision win.

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Sam-A spoke about the match in a post-fight interview with ONE Championship, highlighting his frame of mind for the contest and what he saw worked for him on fight night.

The 42-year-old icon said:

“He’s very good in the 135-pound division, knocking people out easily. I was concerned about this because his hands are very good. But when he dropped down to this weight class, he might be tired, he might be drained, and he might not be used to this weight yet.”

The win at ONE Friday Fights 137 was the second straight for Sam-A to help fortify his push for another shot at the strawweight Muay Thai world title he used to hold.

The full replay of all the action at ONE Friday Fights 137 is available on ONE Championship's YouTube channel, the ONE Super App, and watch.onefc.com.

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Sam-A keen on outcome of proposed Prajanchai-Aliff title clash

Following his victory at ONE Friday Fights 137, Sam-A said he will keenly await the outcome of the proposed title clash between ONE strawweight Muay Thai world champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai and top contender Aliff Sor Dechapan. He is looking to earn a title shot against whoever comes out the winner in the showdown.

He spoke about it in an interview with ONE Championship, sharing his thoughts on the proposed title clash between the two top strawweight fighters.

Sam-A said:

"In this matchup, Aliff is a tall fighter who's difficult to fight. Prajanchai is crafty. This will be an exciting fight."

Aliff defeated Ramdan Ondash of Lebanon by decision at ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu on December 5. Following the win, it was announced that he earned a shot at the strawweight gold against divisional king Prajanchai. However, the date and venue of the proposed title clash are still to be determined.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim