Sam-A Plans To Exploit Weight Cut Vulnerabilities In Jaosuayai’s Strawweight Debut At ONE Friday Fights 137

Living legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao didn’t expect to become the gatekeeper for Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi’s strawweight Muay Thai debut, but that’s exactly what awaits him at ONE Friday Fights 137 on Friday, December 19, inside Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.

The former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion understands the challenge will arrive fast and aggressive as his 24-year-old Thai compatriot transitions from flyweight seeking fresh opportunities after his October loss to Akif Guluzada forced career reassessment.

Sam-A acknowledges the danger posed by his younger opponent, particularly in opening exchanges where Jaosuayai’s movement and combinations could dictate pace. The veteran has spent more than 400 bouts across his illustrious career competing against the greatest strikers on the planet, teaching him where transitions expose even the most talented athletes.

His recent unanimous decision over Myanmar’s lethwei sensation Thway Lin Htet at ONE Friday Fights 126 this past September showcased that experience — rebounding from a second-round knockdown to score one of his own late in the third frame.

“I heard that Jaosuayai would be dropping down to the strawweight division, and I figured we’d meet one day, but I didn’t expect it to happen so fast that I’d be the one initiating him into the division,” Sam-A said. “Jaosuayai is an agile fighter with sharp punches. His striking and footwork are fast. He’s a well-rounded, modern fighter.”

Yet respect for Jaosuayai’s skills doesn’t translate into concern about the matchup outcome. For the 42-year-old icon, his opponent’s move into a new weight class represents a key variable that could reshape the fight entirely. Sam-A has ruled both flyweight and strawweight during his championship reign, living through those physical adjustments himself and understanding exactly where they create vulnerabilities that experience can exploit.

“Looking at his physique, Jaosuayai is well-suited for the strawweight division. But when he steps [into the ring] at this weight, we have to see if his power and endurance will be the same,” he said. “Crucially, we need to see if he can take a shot because dropping down a weight class always comes with side effects. We’ll see how well he performs when he actually fights.”

Jaosuayai built a strong resume at flyweight with eight promotional victories including six stoppages, yet his decision loss to Guluzada at ONE Fight Night 36 revealed defensive lapses that Sam-A believes present clear openings. The veteran identified similarities between Jaosuayai’s mistake and his own occasional vulnerabilities — getting dropped early and struggling to recover momentum — creating the perfect blueprint for exploitation.

“Jaosuayai’s loss to Akif came from a mistake similar to mine — he was dropped early and couldn’t catch up, which led to the loss. As for his weakness, since he dropped a weight class for this fight, I’m ready to use my heavy left kick to punish him,” Sam-A said.

“I still have all my Muay Thai weapons in my arsenal, and I’m prepared to give my junior a warm welcome to the strawweight division. Even at 42, I think my body is in better condition than when I fought Thway Lin Htet because my training camp has been longer. I’m fully prepared to fight now.”

Beyond the tactical battle, Friday’s matchup carries deeper meaning for the Evolve MMA representative. After rebounding from setbacks and proving he can still compete against the division’s top strikers, Sam-A views victory as a crucial step toward unfinished business — touching championship gold one more time before retirement becomes reality rather than distant possibility.

“If I can get past Jaosuayai, there might be some surprises in store,” he said. “The chance to compete for a title again might not be far off. The goal of every fighter is to become a champion. Since I’m getting older, I want one more chance to touch that success again.”