Muay Thai legend and former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao of Thailand was overcome with emotion after his latest victory last week at home in Bangkok.
The 40-year-old veteran is one of the most successful Muay Thai fighters in history, and last Friday night at ONE Friday Fights 81, he added another impressive win to his resume.
Sam-A needed just a little over a minute to dispatch Algerian star Akram Hamidi at the historic Lumpinee Stadium on Sept. 27, winning via a scintillating knockout in front of a partisan Thai crowd.
Speaking to veteran reporter Nick Atkin backstage, Sam-A described his performance, and what he felt after seeing his opponent motionless on the canvas.
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The Gaiyanghadao representative 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."
Sam-A added:
"Yes. 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."
Needless to say, it was an explosive performance from the 40-year-old, who says he still has much to offer at this stage in his career.
What's next for Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in ONE Championship?
Former flyweight Muay Thai king Sam-A Gaiyanghadao has gold on his mind, and the 40-year-old veteran is looking to position himself for a world title shot.
The reigning Muay Thai king of the flyweight division is none other than 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon himself, who has appeared virtually untouchable as the sole occupant of the throne.
Whether or not Sam-A can compete against Rodtang is a big question mark.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Sam-A Gaiyanghadao's next fight.