The Thai knockout artist Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi spent his run in ONE Championship establishing himself as one of the most dangerous contenders in the flyweight Muay Thai division. But on December 19 at ONE Friday Fights 137, he begins a new chapter inside Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium: his strawweight debut against the former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao.

A win over the icon could immediately launch Jaosuayai into World Title contention in his new division—but more importantly, it represents the culmination of a journey that began nearly two decades ago, when a young boy sat beside his father watching Muay Thai on television and dared to dream of becoming a fighter.

A Unique Path into Muay Thai

Jaosuayai grew up as the third of four siblings in a modest Thai household. Unlike many Muay Thai champions who come from fighting families or begin training out of economic necessity, his introduction to the “art of eight limbs” came through simple family traditions: every Sunday, sitting next to his father watching live fights on Channel 7.

Those weekly broadcasts ignited a spark that intensified when he discovered martial arts cinema—particularly Tony Jaa’s electrifying choreography in “Ong-Bak.” Real fighters in the ring combined with cinematic action created an irresistible pull toward the sport.

At just seven years old, he asked permission to train at Sor Dechapan Gym—and was granted not only training access, but a home. From that day forward, the gym became his world, consuming his daily life and replacing the typical childhood most kids experience.

Overcoming Adversity Through Family Support

Jaosuayai competed in his first Muay Thai fight after just one week of formal training. With his parents watching ringside, the seven-year-old suffered a knockout loss—but instead of discouragement, he found motivation. Even the small pay he received afterward encouraged him, confirming that he wanted to pursue a fighter’s life.

The true tests came later, when he left his rural community for Bangkok and entered the brutal stadium circuit. Cultural adjustment, elite-level competition, harsh weight cuts, physical exhaustion, and the overwhelming magnitude of city life all pushed him to a breaking point. At one stage, the adversity was so suffocating that Jaosuayai seriously considered quitting the sport entirely.

But just as his father’s love for Muay Thai had inspired him to begin, the unwavering support of his family helped him endure. Their encouragement reignited his perseverance.

Dreams Becoming Reality

Jaosuayai restructured his preparation, refined his strategy, and started racking up victories inside Bangkok’s unforgiving stadium circuit. His progress caught the attention of ONE Championship, leading to his promotional debut in June 2023.

After early challenges, he found momentum—and then came the breakthrough: four straight wins culminating in a spectacular knockout over veteran Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric, earning him a life-changing six-figure contract with ONE Championship in March 2025.

The kid who once lost his debut by KO at a local fair was now conquering the biggest martial arts organization in the world.

Now, as Jaosuayai prepares for his strawweight debut against legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, he carries with him every hardship, every lesson, every moment of doubt and growth.

From watching Channel 7 fights with his father…
To stepping into the ring against a former two-division World Champion…
This is the fulfillment of a dream 16 years in the making.