"He's a very tough fighter" - Sam-A gives props to Zhang Peimian following first kickboxing win since 2019
Thai combat sports legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao reintroduced himself to the strawweight kickboxing ranks with a near-flawless victory over Zhang Peimian at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' this past Friday, Nov. 8, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking with the world's largest martial arts promotion, Sam-A stated:
"I'm back in kickboxing for the first time in almost five years. I'm still not used to it because I have to adjust my attacks, but I'm trying my best."
Sam-A's last kickboxing bout before ONE 169 was at ONE: Mark of Greatness in December 2019, where he captured the inaugural strawweight kickboxing world championship over Wang Junguang.
Since then, he has fought exclusively under Muay Thai rules. Sam-A relinquished the 125-pound kickboxing crown when he retired in February 2022. He returned in March 2023 with a knockout of Ryan Sheehan.
Going back to his ONE 169 win, Sam-A credited Zhang for standing toe-to-toe with him, saying:
"I've been watching Zhang Peimian since he fought Jonathan [Di Bella]. I've been watching him all the time. I feel like he's a great fighter and one to watch. I have to admit that he's a very tough fighter, very resilient, and has a lot of heart. He has great stamina."
Sam-A eyeing world title fight with reigning champ Prajanchai
Sam-A wants to challenge Prajanchai PK Saenchai for the ONE strawweight Muay Thai world championship next after dropping it to him in July 2021. They rematched in June 2023 over 26 pounds of interim strawweight Muay Thai gold, which Prajanchai won via knockout in round two.
In the post-fight interview with ONE Championship commentator Mitch Chilson, Sam-A declared:
"What I want next is I want to get back on my throne. I want to get back there again to prove myself and I want to do this for myself."
Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE 169 on demand.