Zhang Peimian open to Jonathan Di Bella rematch to prove he's superior: "Let's do it"
Zhang Peimian is fully dialed in for his ONE 169 war against Sam-A Gaiyanghadao. But the Chinese star has eyes on a familiar foe right after he completes this upcoming test.
Before he returns to the Circle inside the Lumpinee Stadium on Nov. 8, the 21-year-old sensation told the promotion that he'd even be willing to put his world title bid on hold if he gets an opportunity to run it back with Jonathan Di Bella.
In an exclusive interview with the promotion, Zhang Peimian noted:
"Of course, I want to fight for the title, but if Di Bella wants to fight again, then let's do it."
The Chinese megastar could kill two birds with one stone if he comes out victorious in his ONE 169 assignment.
Unfortunately, Jonathan Di Bella lost his spot at the top of the throne to Thai striking sensation Prajanchai PK Saenchai. Still, beating Sam-A and Di Bella will put Peimian in pole position to contest against the PK Saenchai man down the road.
He won't have it easy against Prajanchai, but overcoming the two aforementioned names will prepare him well for what the Thai fighter has to offer should they duke out for 26 pounds of gold in the future.
Zhang Peimian confident his youth will power him to victory over "old" Sam-A
After splitting between victories and defeats in his past four outings, Zhang Peimian is out to prove a point against a far tougher challenge. However, he isn't short of confidence.
In the aforementioned interview, 'Fighting Rooster' said his kickboxing experience and his foe's age will go hand-in-hand to help him leave the Mecca of Muay Thai with the W:
"I think I have more of an advantage in kickboxing. His straight cross and knee strikes are very well-known, but his weakness might be his physical ability because he is old."
ONE 169 will be available to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in the United States live in U.S. primetime for free.