“Fighting the legends” - Jonathan Di Bella says he’ll immediately jump at the chance to face Thai legend Sam-A

Former ONE strawweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Di Bella of Canada and Italy made a statement last weekend, when he defeated highly regarded Portuguese fighter Rui Botelho in a spirited performance.

Di Bella lost his gold to Thai rival Prajanchai PK Saenchai last June, but returned against Botelho in a big way, dominating his opponent en route to a unanimous decision on the judges' scorecards.

More importantly, Di Bella reminded fans at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov on Prime Video that he's still very much among the elite, and that he is looking for a way back to the world title.

Speaking to the media at the ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov on Prime Video official post-fight interviews, Di Bella name-dropped a potential opponent he feels could be next for him.

The 28-year-old said:

"Oh, man, anybody, anybody in the division, you know, Sam-A [Gaiyanghadao] is great, fighting the legends. That will be a great fight."

Of course, Sam-A is just as big a legend in 'the art of eight limbs' as any. The Thai veteran is a former flyweight and strawweight titleholder and currently riding a two-fight winning streak.

A matchup against Sam-A could be just what the doctor ordered for Di Bella who is hoping to get back into the world title conversation.

ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov on Prime Video was broadcast live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand this past Saturday, Dec. 7. Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action via replay on-demand with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Jonathan Di Bella still has ONE Championship gold on his mind: "I want the rematch, of course"

Former strawweight kickboxing king Jonathan Di Bella fully expects to face divisional ruler Prajanchai PK Saenchai eventually down the line, but says he is content with whoever ONE Championship throws at him.

Di Bella said:

"Yeah, man, I want the rematch, of course. But whoever Chatri [Sityodtong] wants to give me, I'll take anybody, whoever ONE wants to give me. I'll take anybody. But of course, if there's a rematch, I’ll fight him for sure."

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Jonathan Di Bella's next match.