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Muay Thai icon Sam-A says he's thrilled about winning back-to-back events at the ripe age of 41.
The prolific kickboxer and Muay Mat is coming off another resounding victory earlier this month at ONE 169, over Chinese rising superstar Zhang Peimian.
From start to end, Sam-A delivered a masterclass, showcasing not only an effortless performance, but also durability in a three-round bout.
This victory marks a significant shift in his ONE career, who at age 40, came back from retirement to fight with the same class and dominance as if he were in his prime.
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Looking back at what he's achieved in 2024, Sam-A told Sportskeeda MMA:
"I am proud of what I have achieved at 41. Even though I have been retired for a while. Thank you to my heart and body for helping me achieve this."
Sam-A previously announced his retirement in ONE Championship after losing his ONE strawweight Muay Thai belt to fellow Thai Prajanchai PK Saenchai in July 2021.
Although it took many months for Sam-A to make the decision, he was resolved to retire the followingw year, and in doing so, he renounced his ONE strawweight kickboxing world title.
However, after scoring back-to-back wins this year, it looks like the Thai legend isn't going anywhere.
"Victory No. 375" - Sam-A stuns the world with a unanimous decision win over Zhang Peimian
On Nov. 8, Sam-A stunned the world with a hard-earned victory over 21-year-old Muay Thai savant Zhang Peimian.
Going into the bout, not many people believed that Sam-A could outlast his younger opponent. Peimian, who is considered by many to be the next Rodtang Jitmuangnon, is aggressive and offensive-minded by nature.
He's strong, fast, and agile. But he looked completely out of his element against Sam-A, who destroyed every inch of his rival's confidence with precision and calmness.
As we wait for the new year and see what else is in store for Sam-A, we remember that he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Check out images of his latest outing at ONE 169 below:
"Victory No. 375! Sam-A proves he's still got it."
