“I’ve Come Back to Be the Same Legend” – Sam-A Motivated for ONE Return, Keen to Become World Champion Again
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Sam-A Gaiyanghadao has won almost everything there is to attain in the striking world over the course of his nearly three-decade career. The former two-sport ONE World Champion called time on his storied career last year, having struggled with injuries while balancing his life between coaching at Singapore’s Evolve MMA and competing.
But after a brief layoff, he has found a fire to compete again. And so, he is set to return to the Circle against Irish star Ryan Sheehan in a strawweight Muay Thai clash at ONE Friday Fights 9 inside Thailand’s iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok on March 17.
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Sam-A Gaiyanghadao’s decision to continue fighting showcased positive results
Speaking about his u-turn, Sam-A said, “I am delighted and honored to return to fight in ONE Championship again. And also to come back to fight at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium after eight years. I built my reputation and became a World Champion at Lumpinee.”
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Though it might not be as straightforward as he may like to forge another road to the top, the striking legend can look back on a similar moment in his career for inspiration. He toyed with the idea of hanging up his gloves back in 2017 but went on to sign a deal with ONE the following year instead.
That proved to be the right decision, as he became the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai and Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion in the promotion in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
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Sam-A Gaiyanghadao wanted to show that age is just a number
Then, in 2020, the Thai superstar added the strawweight Muay Thai crown to his list of achievements inside the Circle. His latest comeback will start against Sheehan, but Sam-A’s ambitions go far beyond ONE Friday Fights 9.
He offered, “I’ve come back to be the same legend Sam-A. I will give it my all in this fight to claim victory.”
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“I intend to do my best and become a champion again. Even though I’m nearly 40, I will show everybody that age is just a number. If you have great preparation and take care of your body well enough, you can still go on and on.”
Edited by:
Rohini Kottu