Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong snapped out of his recent slump in a big way this past weekend, and he is now setting his sights on a huge prize. The Thai kickboxer is looking to have an adventure in the featherweight division.
“Killer Kid” overcame promotional newcomer Masaaki Noiri by unanimous decision in their featherweight kickboxing showdown at last Friday’s ONE 167 to return to the winners’ column and make up for the back-to-back losses he suffered in his two previous ONE Championship outings.
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong uncovers redemption and motivation in the recent victory
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During a post-fight interview with Sportskeeda MMA’s Nicolas Atkin, Sitthichai discussed what the victory meant and how it will fuel him going forward. “I’m very happy, it’s been a great relief because I was in a losing streak and to win this one gives me great motivation,” he said.
Ahead of his appearance at ONE 167, some doubted the 32-year-old’s ability to still compete at a high level. But he proved that he remains among the planet’s striking elite by pressuring his much-lauded foe and staying active throughout their 15-minute battle. Fans inundated Sitthichai with support after Friday’s display, and he thanked them for continuing to believe in him.
“I’m very happy. And very relieved to know there are such messages because normally I’d see something like, ‘He’s done. He’s at the end of his career.’ But now, to hear that they’re saying stuff like, ‘He’s back,’ it means so much,” he said.
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His latest victory comes at a crucial time for featherweight kickboxing in ONE Championship, as the promotion is deep in planning for this year’s divisional Grand Prix.
Sitthichai eyes glory in the ONE featherweight division
While no details of the tournament have been announced, it is expected to draw some of the best strikers in the weight class from around the striking world, including stars like Chingiz “Chinga” Allazov, Superbon, and Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan.
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The tournament winner will get the Grand Prix belt and a shot at the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title, so Sitthichai definitely wants to be part of it. “I want to join the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix that is happening. I just would love to be in the ring and show the fans [my talents],” he said.
He further added, “If I would be selected among the eight competitors, that would be amazing already, but if I win the title that would be a dream come true for me, the highest dream of all. The featherweight division is full of tough fighters, and if I am able to win against all of them, that would be great.”