FREE FULL FIGHT: Sam-A Gaiyanghadao showcases his legendary status in near-flawless finish of Akram Hamidi

Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao proved why he is one of the most revered combat sports icons of his generation with a superb knockout of French-Algerian star Akram Hamidi at ONE Friday Fights 81 on Sept. 27, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Sam-A baited the three-time ISKA kickboxing world champion with feints early in the first round, which led to the Evolve MMA star dropping Hamidi with a big left hand. Though 'La Pepite' got back to his feet immediately, Sam-A landed another left hand for the knockout win.

Watch Sam-A's first-round knockout of Hamidi, which ONE posted on YouTube:

It was a welcome return to form for the inaugural ONE flyweight Muay Thai, strawweight kickboxing, and strawweight Muay Thai world champion. His previous outing was a knockout defeat at the hands of Prajanchai PK Saenchai over the ONE interim strawweight Muay Thai world championship in June 2023.

Sam-A's electrifying victory over Hamidi proved that, at 40 years old, he can still go toe-to-toe with many of the world's best fighters.

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Sam-A emotional over stunning knockout of Akram Hamidi

Sam-A's knockout of Akram Hamidi might be one of his best finishes, though he showed great concern about the Team Valente star's health in the immediate aftermath of the fight.

Speaking with Nick Atkin after ONE Friday Fights 81, Sam-A said:

"I saw my opponent fell lying down, so I thought he wasn't going to get up from that. I was waiting and waiting, but he still woke up. He's very strong. In the ring, I'm still happy, but when I moved around, I saw him still laid out like that, I was really shocked and really sad. Because I can see that my opponent is not looking good."

Watch the entire interview below: