For an experienced fighter like Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, it’s not common for him to experience things for the first time in a fight.

However, when he takes the stage at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Friday, June 7, to welcome Japanese star Masaaki Noiri to ONE Championship in a featherweight kickboxing battle inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, “Killer Kid” will get to tick a couple of important items off his list. 

Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong is excited to take on Masaaki Noiri

Though Sitthichai has over 150 fights on his record, he has amazingly never fought a Japanese fighter before.

In an interview with ONE, the 32-year-old expressed his excitement about how the first fighter he’ll face from The Land of the Rising Sun will be of Noiri’s caliber. 

“When I heard the news that Masaaki Noiri had signed with ONE, I learned that he was a Japanese superstar like Takeru. It made me feel excited. Even though I didn’t know him very well, I knew his skill level would be high,” Sitthichai said.  

“When I was informed that I would be fighting him, I thought, ‘Wow,’ because he will be my first Japanese opponent. Throughout my career, I never had the opportunity to fight a Japanese fighter. Moreover, he is a Japanese superstar. So that made me even more excited.” 

Noiri is a two-division K-1 World Champion who has won 49 of his 60 professional fights. Though he’ll be competing in his first match in ONE when he meets “Killer Kid,” the 31-year-old has had his fair share of big nights throughout a storied career. 

Sitthichai believes fighting the Japanese star would help him redeem himself

Apart from competing against an accomplished fighter, Sitthichai is also looking forward to the pressure of putting on a show for fans in his home country. ONE 167 will be held at a venue the Thai star has never competed at, and he’s eager to return to winning ways when he debuts there.  

“This is my first time fighting at the Impact Arena. And my opponent is a Japanese superstar. I cannot describe my joy at being able to fight in such a huge global event. It makes me feel like the organization still values me, and I am still needed by them,” Sitthichai said.  

“This fight is very important to me. I need to bounce back to the winner’s side because I want to become one of the best fighters in the world again. 

“This is a great opportunity because he is a very famous fighter. If I beat him, I believe I will definitely be able to get redemption and regain my confidence.”