Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao: The Thai Legend on the World’s Roll‑Call
Meet the man who turns sand in a rice sack into gold. Sam‑A, the boy from a dusty Thai village, is a legend with 365 wins, 46 losses, and 9 draws. He’s not just rocking the Lumpinee Stadium — he’s the Lumpinee Champion in two weight classes and the Fighter of the Year. On May 18, 2025, he’s set to add a brand‑new title to his already packed trophy case: the ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight World Champion belt.
The First Step: A Festival, A Ring, A Decision
Sam‑A’s story starts on a sunny day of a local festival. A temporary Muay Thai ring popped up beside a temple. His uncle, the ringmaster, asked the crowd for volunteers. Sam‑A, a nine‑year‑old with zero experience, felt the pulse. He turned to the audience, eyes wide, and tried on the gloves.
- “The crowd went silent. I looked around and thought, ‘Why not me?’
- He nerve‑rigged his uncle, who shrugged, “We’ve never seen you spar before.”
- Sam‑A stood firm. “Just let me do this.”
His uncle sent him back home to get parental permission. It wasn’t a walk in the park (no less a walk to the market!). He begged, threw tears, and eventually won his folks over.
The First Match, The Spark
When the bell rang, Sam‑A found himself in the ring against a seasoned kid. He went all‑out, and to everyone’s surprise, emerged the champion after three rounds. The hanginess in his parents’ faces melted into a proud, nearly tearful hug. But the victory wasn’t enough. On his second match, he lost. Yet the determination in his eyes made his parents realize: “He’s not here to play; he’s here to conquer.” Hence, the imperfect rice bags turned into warrior’s training mats.
From Rice Bags to Professional Ranks
Being from a modest background didn’t stop Sam‑A from dreaming big. He filled old rice sacks with sand, then became a driving force behind his own training. His opportunities widened: Singapore watching him as he trains up new stars at Evolve MMA and now competes for ONE Championship.
Making History in the One World
- First Muay Thai bout in ONE Championship 2023: Sam‑A beat Joseph “Hurricane” Lasiri.
- Mutual firepower with Sergio Wielzen—the W5 World Champion, double‑title holder.
- Target: the first ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight World Title in Singapore.
What he’s saying:
“This fight matters. I’m the first to fight for this championship on ONE’s floor. If I win, that’ll be my biggest win yet—and my way to show every aspiring fighter out there that they can nudge history, too.”
Feel the Fire, Admire the Journey
Sam‑A, at 34, still has the same electrifying spark in his eyes. He lives for the fight, the training, and the inspiration he passes on. That’s how legends are born—when a boy decides in a humble village to step into a ring, shot down by fate but kept alive by perseverance.
Stay tuned as the Serie‑Wielzen showdown unfolds—expect thunder, flourish, and a champion putting lips on the new ONE Super Series Muay Thai title.
