ONE Championship’s First Muay Thai Showdown: A Classic Clash in Manila
On Friday, 26 January, the Mall of Asia Arena was buzzing with history as ONE Championship staged its inaugural Muay Thai bout. The ring hosted two real-life warriors: the legendary Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao and the fearless Italian Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri.
Who are the Fighters?
- Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao: a multi‑time Lumpinee World Champion with a record of 364‑46‑9. Known for his iron‑clad defense and razor‑sharp counter‑technique.
- Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri: WBC Muay Thai Super Bantamweight Champion boasting a solid record of 31‑5. A fighter who refuses to back down, even when the odds are steep.
Bang‑Bang Blow‑by‑Blow
The bell rang and “The Hurricane” dove straight into the action, firing a flurry of strikes. But Sam‑A, the master of mountain‑sized defense, was already in motion, launching a storm of lightning‑fast left kicks that went straight to legs, body, and the head. With each strike, he showcased what makes him a legend: timing that’s almost surgical, and power that feels like a heavyweight punch in a lightweight match.
Lasiri met force head‑on. He tried to keep the pressure, but Sam‑A’s rhythm was a dance of savannas and sparring that left the Italian struggling to stay on his feet. A mix of push‑kicks, round kicks, and sweeping feet sent Lasiri down more than once.
Why Sam‑A Wins
Despite the Italian’s bravado and heart, Sam‑A’s mastery of Muay Thai was simply too overwhelming. The first round ended with Lasiri clinging to the ropes, while the second round saw Sam‑A bring the show down to a neat, clinical finish.
Conclusion
When the curtain falls on ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES, Sam‑A reaffirms his position among the sport’s GOATs with a Roman-style victory that took the crowd— and the world—by storm.
Gaiyanghadao Shows Off in the Second Round
Lights, camera, action! As soon as round two kicked off, everyone knew Gaiyanghadao was getting ready to turn the heat up.
The “Hurricane” Falls Flat
- Lasiri, armed with a relentless rush, tried to storm in.
He was met with a whirlwind of dodges, making the big man’s moves feel like a slick dance. - A razor‑sharp left high kick sent Lasiri down, earning the first count.
- The crowd gasped when Gaiyanghadao unleashed a laser‑guided straight left that landed square on the opponent’s chin.
Three Knockdowns, One Dramatic Finish
He was all fire, all the way — or, as the legend’s own fans might call it, “over‑eager.” But the second knockdown was pure art: a picture‑perfect left hand landed on Lasiri’s battlefield — his chin. It wasn’t just a punch; it was a knockout manifesto, knocking him out at 2:30 of the round and sealing a complete win.
Feeling Good & Looking Forward
Gaiyanghadao “couldn’t be happier” about the way he showcased his skills inside ONE’s arena. He’s already eyeing the possibility of stepping into a full martial arts rule set after the fight. Because, let’s face it, it keeps the training at Evolve MMA exciting and unpredictable.
Lasiri’s Grit
The Italian fighter put up a brave fight, stepping up to challenge a legend. He wasn’t met with the advantage he’d hoped for, but fans can respect the guts he brought into the cage — just came up short on this occasion.
