Sam-A Gaiyanghadao

Status: Former ONE Athlete

Over the course of a stellar 30-year career spanning more than 400 bouts, former ONE World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao has captured Muay Thai World Titles across several weight classes, and now, he is known as one of the very best strikers of all time.

Born to a family of farmers in Buriram, a province in northeastern Thailand, Sam-A began his competitive Muay Thai career at the young age of 9, after following his uncle’s run and watching the sport on television. Although he started with no formal training, he courageously stepped into the ring nearly every week and quickly compiled hundreds of bouts over his first few years.

Seeking to take his career to the next level, Sam-A moved to Bangkok when he was 15 years old. He began training at the famed Petchyindee Academy, and soon, he made his debut at the prestigious Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium. His hard work and dedication ultimately paid off, as he blazed a trail in the sport to emerge as a living legend in the ring.

Sam-A reached the pinnacle when he added the inaugural ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title to his trophy cabinet in May 2018. He also won the inaugural ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship in December 2019 and then the inaugural ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in February 2020 to cement his legendary status.

In February 2022, Sam-A officially announced his retirement and vacated the promotion’s strawweight kickboxing belt, which was the only strap he held at that time.

The global fan base thought they had seen the last of Thai icon. But in March 2023, Sam-A returned to ONE Championship, kicked off his comeback, and knocked out Ryan Sheehan. That led him to a rematch with Prajanchai PK Saenchai – the last man to defeat him – for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title, but he fell short of earning his redemption and the coveted belt.

That won’t stop Sam-A, however. He always comes back stronger, so fans should expect to see an even sharper fighter the next time he steps into the ring.