Samurai Swinging into Singapore: Wielzen vs. Gaiyanghadao for ONE’s Premier Flyweight Crown
After a 15‑year reign over the ring with more world titles than a shelf in a library, Dutch‑Surinamese fighter Sergio “Samurai” Wielzen is mounting his biggest gamble yet. He’ll square off against the Muay Thai legend Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao for ONE Championship’s first-ever Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight World Championship. The clash is scheduled for Friday, 18 May at ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS in sunny Singapore.
From Jungle Boy to Martial Arts Maestro
- Sergio’s early days: “I grew up in Suriname, which felt like the Jungle Book – I was Mowgli, but instead of a wolf, I had a stick for a sword.” His childhood was a mix of fishing, climbing trees and even catching birds, before his parents split and his mother moved the family to the Netherlands.
- Culture shock: “It was so cold here. I was baffled by the long winters and the school routine. I didn’t feel at home until I met new friends that stuck with me today.”
- Finding Kung Fu: “I fell in love with martial arts when I watched a film about female Muay Thai fighters. It was like watching Dragon Ball Z – my favorite anime – in real life!” He’d wander into a gym where he’d catch the sight of fighters like Tyrone Spong and Alistair Overeem – the spark that lit his fire.
First Fight, First Victory, First Stunt
Juggling tight budgets, Sergio fought his way into the ring. He won his very first bout by stoppage, causing the opponent’s corner to pull him out via a “stop” pad. “It felt like an instant triumph,” he laughed.
Crash Course: Life’s Unexpected Scooter Slip
While riding home on a friend’s scooter during a rainy night, the pair crashed, sending Sergio face‑down. He damaged his hands and hip – a rock‑solid curse that made kicking and punching a nightmare.
- Resilient Response: “I flung my fists in the next bout, even though my hands hurt. I wasn’t able to cancel – I could not let my opponent have the chance that was given to me.”
- Mindset Tribute: “Believing in myself was the secret. I’ll keep falling but I’ll keep standing up, too—kind of like a muscle under the rope tying me to a barbell.”
World Titles, Wrecked Arms, A Rock‑Hard Resolve
With a never‑give‑up attitude, Sergio has racked up a collection of world championships – Lion Fight Lightweight, It’s Showtime, two W5 World titles and more. But he says he treats every fight as the “biggest one” and never settles for the status quo.
Gearing Up for the ONE Championship Gold
Now the bright lights of the ONE arena await. “This will be the biggest title I will be taking home,” he says, eyes sparkling with determination. The final line-up: Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao vs. Sergio “Samurai” Wielzen, a duel that promises fireworks.
Mindset > Limits
“I can pull any punch no matter the injury. I know that I can have a big moment if I keep my focus like a drum center. I’ll show the world that I have what it takes.”
So buckle up – 8‑minute punches, 5‑minute rounds, and 20‑minute adrenaline gratitude. That’s the saga of Sergio “Samurai” Wielzen, his journey from a Mowgli‑style jungle kid to a striking-thunder hero, now poised to seize the pinnacle of ONE Championship.
