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.

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.”

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.

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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.

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.”