The former two-sport, two-division ONE world champion welcomes Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi to the strawweight Muay Thai rankings at A Friday Fights 137 on Friday, December 19 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. The 42-year-old icon has experienced these physical adjustments himself and believes they offer a clear opening against his younger compatriot.
Jaosuayai spent his promotional stint at flyweight and picked up eight wins, six of which were by stoppage. But after losing to Akif Guluzada at ONE Fight Night 36 last October, the 24-year-old decided his body was better suited to lighter weight.
That transition brings with it questions that can only be answered within the ring. Sam-A has more than 400 professional fights under his belt, and that experience taught him exactly where weight cuts expose even talented strikers.
The veteran acknowledged the danger that Jaosuayai brings, especially early on, when his movements and combinations could dictate the pace. But Sam-A sees cracks in the armor.
“Jaosuayai is an agile fighter with sharp punches. His striking and footwork are fast,” he said. “He is a versatile, modern fighter.”
Sam-A aims for title shot with victory over Jaosuayai
Sam-A Gaiyanghadao recently recovered from a second-round knockdown to score his own goal late in the third frame. He sealed a unanimous decision win over Myanmar’s Thway Lin Htet at ONE Friday Fights 126 last September. That win proved he can still compete with the best strawweight strikers.
His body feels better now than it did during that fight. The Evolve MMA representative enjoyed a longer training camp this time around. He specifically prepared to punish the weaknesses of the weight cut with his signature weapon.
The match with Jaosuayai has a deeper meaning than bragging rights. A win could push Sam-A toward unfinished business – one more shot at championship gold before he hangs up the gloves.
“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,” Sam-A said. “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 am willing to give my junior a warm welcome to the strawweight division. Even at the age of 42, I think my body is in better shape than when I fought Thway Lin Htet because my training camp is longer.”
#SamA #promises #Jaosuayais #strawweight #debut #nightmare #warm #BJPenn.com