Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong has fought many lauded fighters in his illustrious career, and he is unfazed by the reputation of his upcoming foe.

On Friday, June 7, “Killer Kid” will welcome Japanese star Masaaki Noiri to ONE Championship in a featherweight kickboxing battle at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong is ready to face Masaaki Noiri

Sitthichai has been on a tough slide recently, losing back-to-back contests in Muay Thai and kickboxing. His latest setback came at ONE 165 in Tokyo this past January, where he lost to Marat Grigorian in the third round of their matchup. 

However, speaking to SK MMA, the Thai star expressed optimism about returning to fight in his home country. 

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“It was a good break. Between Japan and now, I’ve been back to training camp, and I feel physically and mentally, I am ready to do my best again,” Sitthichai said.

“I’m happy to be back both in Thailand and fighting. I intend to do my best. I have trained very hard. I trained at a hundred percent, and I want to put on an impressive performance for the fans and not disappoint them. I would like to win this time.”

The 32-year-old striker currently sits as the #3-ranked fighter in the stacked featherweight kickboxing division, and he may have more to lose than gain in fighting Noiri. 

Sitsongpeenong’s opinion on his next opponent

The promotional newcomer is a former two-division K-1 World Champion, and he’ll be out to vault himself into the top five of the division with a huge win over Sitthichai.

However, “Killer Kid” is supremely confident in his skills and is ready to show the Japanese star why he is among the planet’s elite strikers. 

“I understand that he’s a big name from Japan and he’s a K-1 champion, but I also believe that I’m second to none in terms of kickboxing, and I would to win this time,” Sitthichai said. 

“I believe that the fight will be fun because we both would like to win. He also hasn’t fought for a long time as well, but I am really determined that this time, I will get the victory.”