WATCH: Sitthichai shows his caliber, electrifies hometown crowd with technical display against Masaaki Noiri in Bangkok
Number three-rated ONE featherweight kickboxing contender Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong spoiled the debut of Japanese superstar Masaaki Noiri. That was during their showdown last weekend at ONE 167, where the Thai emerged victorious via unanimous decision.
Sitthichai got the job done in front of his hometown faithful inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. Highlights of this high-level and technical clash were posted by ONE Championship on YouTube, with the description:
"Thai icon Sitthichai welcomed Japanese superstar Masaaki Noiri to ONE Championship in a featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE 167!"
Sitthichai countered Noiri's constant pressure with accurate combinations of punches and kicks. It was the story of the fight, which also saw the Japanese's head snap back multiple times throughout the match.
This latest triumph has cemented Sitthichai of his position in the top five rankings of the division and seen him record his sixth win in the world's largest martial arts organization. Furthermore, he added another notable victim to his pile of career victories.
Sitthichai and Masaaki Noiri to potentially compete in ONE Featherweight Kickboxing Grand Prix later this year
After the two successful installments of the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing Grand Prix, ONE Championship has announced its return later this year, featuring some of the best kickboxers in the world.
Among the names that are touted to be in the tournament are Sitthichai and Masaaki Noiri. Their recently concluded clash was a preview of the elite matches that the competition will feature.
Other top names that are expected to participate are Marat Grigorian, Giorgio Petrosyan, Superbon, Tawanchai PK Saenchai, and even reigning ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Chingiz Allazov.
North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch all the action from ONE 167 via the free event replay.