"You need to believe me now" - Sam-A says legendary career is far from over after statement finish vs Akram Hamidi

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao took great pleasure in silencing his detractors at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs Nattawut at Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium last Sept. 27.

Now at 40 years old and still fighting, the legendary Muay Thai warrior has been hearing calls for his retirement for quite some time now.

Those murmurs amplified when he got knocked out by now strawweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai last year.

Despite the outside noise, Sam-A confidently entered his high-stakes showdown with Akram Hamadi with his head up high and full confidence in his abilities.

Sam-A proved he hasn't lost a single step when he needed less than a round to obliterate his Algerian foe at ONE Friday Fights 81.

The Thai icon showed incredible reflexes to dodge Hamadi's strikes before uncorking a missle of a left hook to end the fight.

After registering the 374th win of his legendary career, Sam-A spoke to journalist Nick Atkin and sent a message to his naysayers.

"Yes, some people already don’t believe in me, but now, I let you see that you need to believe me now."

Even the greatest fighters slow down and lose their power once Father Time draws close. However, in the case of Sam-A, this mythical fighter certainly still has a lot left in the tank.

Watch the full interview:

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Sam-A wants last championship run before calling it quits

While his body and mind are still as sharp as ever, Sam-A knows he can't keep fighting forever. However, the former two-sport world champion wants one last shot at glory before riding off into the sunset.

The Evolve MMA superstar said in the same interview:

"Yes, for sure. Before I retire, I want to be a champion first, then I retire."

The full replay of ONE Friday Fights 81 is available at watch.onefc.com for those who purchased the PPV.