“I used his timing” - Muay Thai icon Sam-A breaks down his clinical finishing sequence against Akram Hamidi

Veteran Thai fighter Sam-A Gaiyanghadao said he had opponent Akram Hamidi read ahead of their recent match and was not surprised he knocked out the Algerian striker in the opening round.

The former two-division ONE Muay Thai world champion and flyweight kickboxing king made short work of 'La Pepite' in their featured showdown at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut on Sept. 27 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. He finished the contest just a little over a minute into the scheduled three-rounder.

Following his victory, Sam-A broke down what took place before his explosive finish against Hamidi in an interview with combat sports journalist Nic Atkin, highlighting it was a product of thoroughly studying his opponent.

The 40-year-old Buriram native said:

"This is my plan when I train. I always do this because I see that my opponent's technique hasn't improved. That's why I used his timing to get the knockout."

Watch the interview below:

The win at ONE Friday Fights 81 was the 374th in the illustrious career of Sam-A spanning three decades.

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Sam-A bounces back with win at ONE Friday Fights 81

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao's victory at ONE Friday Fights 81 on Sept. 27 was also a bounce-back for the Thai veteran after losing in a title match in his previous fight,

The Evolve MMA standout took on fellow Thai superstar Prajanchai PK Saenchai in a rematch for the then-interim strawweight Muay Thai world title in June last year but lost by way of knockout in the second round.

It was a defeat that he was happy to redeem himself from at ONE Friday Fights 81. And he now hopes to use to make another go at a world title.

Sam-A has been part of ONE Championship since 2018 and has had a solid run, winning eight of 11 matches to date.