‘Would Be An Honor In My Career’ – Sam-A Hopes To Further Cement Legacy With World Title Win Over Jonathan Di Bella
Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao is just a few weeks away from what could be his final chance to claim another 26 pounds of World Championship gold.
On Sunday, March 23, the 41-year-old will square off with Italian-Canadian star Jonathan Di Bella for the ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang inside Japan’s iconic Saitama Super Arena.
As a former ONE Strawweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion, as well as a former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, Sam-A’s trophy case is already bursting at the seams. And after more than 400 career fights, he has nothing left to prove in the world of professional striking.
Still, he’s extremely motivated to further cement his legacy as an all-time great and hold a World Title belt once more.
Sam-A previously retired from competition in 2021 but he returned in 2023 and quickly proved that he could still defeat the planet’s most dangerous talents. He’ll now enter ONE 172 following back-to-back victories over top-flight opposition.
With retirement looming again, he spoke to onefc.com about what this World Title opportunity means to him:
“It would be an honor in my career. For me to retire and still come back to be a World Champion would be a great legacy for me.”
Notably, Sam-A never lost his strawweight kickboxing crown in the ring; he vacated it when he first walked away from competition.
The Thai admitted that the decision has never sat well with him and that he will carry a chip on his shoulder into his clash for interim gold against Di Bella:
“I’ve been thinking about [the World Title] all along. Because back when I vacated the title, it was because of my body. I had problems with losing weight and some personal problems.
“I feel that my job wasn’t done properly here. This time, I will come back to nail everything. And I will do my best to make up for lost time.”
Looking back, Sam-A is disappointed that he spent two years on the sidelines.
He now views his battle against Di Bella as a golden opportunity to redeem himself at one of the organization’s biggest shows in years:
“My number one motivation is my family. And if I become the World Champion again, I will make up for the time I lost. Because I regret the lost time, I want to make up for it and do my best.”
Sam-A Targets Knockout Against Di Bella
While Sam-A Gaiyanghadao is eager to become a ONE World Champion again, he can’t afford to overlook the very dangerous challenge ahead of him in Jonathan Di Bella.
In 2022, Di Bella claimed the undisputed ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title that Sam-A had vacated. The Montreal native would then defend that belt successfully before dropping a narrow decision to current titleholder Prajanchai PK Saenchai.
Sam-A was quick to credit his 28-year-old foe for his speedy punches and well-rounded approach to kickboxing but believes that he’ll hold an edge in power:
“Di Bella is a skilled fighter. He often throws punches in combinations. He has a real kickboxing style. I have watched many of his fights. But I see some weaknesses in him, and I will take advantage of them in the ring.
“What I have as an advantage over him is probably more powerful strikes.”
Indeed, the Thai has proven to be a devastating knockout artist, boasting six highlight-reel stoppages across nine victories in ONE.
Sam-A won’t offer a firm prediction about how this World Title bout at ONE 172 will play out, but one thing is for sure – he’ll take the finish if the opportunity presents itself:
“If I get a chance, I will knock him out. We have to wait and see in the ring. Right now, I can’t tell if this fight will be long or short, but if I see a chance, I will finish him.”
