Why Petchdam Is ONE Super Series’ Greatest Showman

There is no greater entertainer in ONE Championship than Petchdam “The Baby Shark” Petchyindee Academy whether he is putting on a show in the ring, or expressing himself outside of it.

It is impossible to forget the 20-year-old Muay Thai World Champion if you have seen any of his three amazing knockouts in ONE Championship, as well as his outlandish hairstyles and eye-catching entrances.

Now, all the attributes that have made him a superstar on the global stage for martial arts are set to return for ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT in Bangkok, Thailand next Friday, 10 May, when he will compete for the inaugural ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title against Elias “The Sniper” Mahmoudi.

Petchdam delighted audiences worldwide in his highly-anticipated ONE Super Series debut. Before he hit the ONE Super Series Knockout Of The Year on Josh Tonna, he made a global audience sit up and take notice, and have a laugh, when he walked – and danced – down the ramp to Baby Shark sporting shocking pink hair.

The sing-a-long song is known for delighting children and infuriating parents all around the world, but it was a shock to hear it in a combat sports arena. It was surprising and meant fans were not likely to forget Petchdam in a hurry.

“Mr Nuttadaj [his manager] told me to create my own style, kind of like a selling point. I like the song Baby Shark because it is fun to dance to, so I picked it,” he explains.

“I was nervous walking out for my ONE debut – there were so many people in the crowd. When the song started, the dance moves just came out naturally. It was so different than anything I had ever done before in my career.”

“I wasn’t used to it at first, but now it has become more natural. I really look forward to it now.”

Fast forward to his most recent match at ONE: CALL TO GREATNESS, Petchdam danced his way to the ring in a full shark costume in front of thousands at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Donning yet another new brightly colored hairstyle, and baby blue custom “Baby Shark” Muay Thai shorts, Petchdam looked completely in his element before he scored another spectacular KO of Masahide Kudo.

“I like to pump myself up too, and keep myself motivated – joking around is how I do it,” he says.

“You can’t do your hair like this at the stadiums in Bangkok, but with ONE you can, so I like to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Competing for ONE is amazing. I don’t feel the same pressure here, and the crowd is always so supportive.”

Despite his young age, The Bangkok native has had a lot to cope with so far in his young career – 114 professional bouts, the responsibility of earning money for his family, and the pressure of representing his team.

The work ethic and dedication required to realize all these goals is immense, so he has spent years in the gym, sacrificing time with his friends and loved ones while he trains almost non-stop to become the best athlete he can be.

However, while his work at Petchyindee Academy is serious, his vibrant personality comes out throughout the day. The Thai superstar makes sure he has some fun with his coaches and teammates to stay motivated.

“I like to have fun – it is my personality. I really like to joke around on social media too because it is kind of like a stress release, and I like to make people laugh,” he says.

“Also as an athlete, it is a great way for me to promote myself and show people a bit about who I am. I take training very seriously, but outside that, I just really like to have a good time.

“You can’t let yourself get stressed or over-serious when it comes to training. You need to make it fun.”