Fearsome Thai finisher Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi addressed his decision to drop from flyweight to strawweight Muay Thai competition ahead of his dream matchup against living legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao at ONE Friday Fights 137 on Friday, December 19, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 24-year-old, who trains at Sor Dechapan in Thailand, dismissed criticism suggesting he is avoiding flyweight competition, explaining that improved training protocols have optimized his physical condition for ONE Championship’s 125-pound division.
Jaosuayai also expressed shock and excitement about facing the 42-year-old all-time great in his strawweight debut, recognizing the historic significance of potentially defeating a fighter he has idolized since beginning his martial arts journey.
Thai Striker Jaosuayai Defends Strawweight Decision Against Critics
The young knockout artist directly addressed skeptics questioning his motives for moving down a weight class following his success at flyweight, where he captured the prestigious US$100,000 main roster contract with a spectacular knockout victory over Denis Puric in March 2025. Jaosuayai explained that enhanced training methods drove his decision to compete at 125 pounds.
“This decision is not about running away from the 135-pound division, as some have criticized. It’s because my improved training plan has made my body condition better. I feel more energetic, elusive, and faster now,” he said.
The explanation provides insight into his strategic thinking about maximizing athletic performance through optimal weight management. His 60-23 career record demonstrates consistent success across multiple weight classes, suggesting the strawweight move represents calculated career planning rather than desperation following setbacks.
Jaosuayai Expresses Shock at Legendary Opponent Assignment
Speaking about drawing Sam-A for his strawweight debut, Jaosuayai revealed his genuine surprise and honor at receiving an opportunity to test himself against one of the sport’s all-time greatest competitors. The young gun admitted he never anticipated facing someone he has studied and admired throughout his martial arts development.
“For my 125-pound debut, I was extremely surprised when ONE confirmed my opponent would be the legendary Sam-A. It never crossed my mind that I would get the chance to fight a legend whom I have been a fan of since I first started training,” Jaosuayai said.
Facing a childhood idol creates emotional complexities that could either inspire breakthrough performances or create psychological obstacles during competition.
Knockout Artist Eyes Divisional Dominance After Historic Opportunity
Looking beyond the immediate challenge, Jaosuayai expressed confidence that defeating Sam-A would represent a career-defining moment while opening doors to face the strawweight Muay Thai division’s best competitors. The Thai outlined his ambitions for divisional dominance following this high-profile strawweight debut.
“If I can manage to beat Sam-A, it would be a significant historical moment and a huge source of pride in my life. After this fight, if I win, I’m ready to take on everyone in this division,” Jaosuayai said.
The stylistic clash between Jaosuayai’s explosive knockout power and Sam-A’s technical excellence promises compelling action as ONE Championship closes its 2025 calendar.
ONE Friday Fights 137 airs live on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 a.m. ET/4:30 a.m. PT on beIN Sports USA. It will also broadcast live on YouTube. The show also features Tawanchai and “Smokin” Jo Nattawut’s redemption.
