Inner Circle 23: Sam-A Vs Aliff For Interim Strawweight Title

ONE Championship staged The Inner Circle 23 at Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, July 24. The exclusive card streamed live to members via live.onefc.com, featuring a showdown that bridges two generations of Muay Thai.

Legendary Encouter: Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao

Former two‑sport, two‑division champion Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao> flips the comeback dial at age 42. The Thai veteran, who boasts 13 Muay Thai and kickboxing world titles, returned to action after a retirement to reaffirm his elite status. In his last three appearances he survived a knockdown against Thway Lin Htet>, outpointed Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi> in a grueling decision, and stopped Elmehdi “The Sniper” El Jamari> with a second‑round head kick.

Sam‑A’s résumé reads like a museum exhibit: he won the inaugural ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title, later added strawweight gold in both disciplines, and has never lost a title fight. This bout marks his quest to prove that age is just a number when faced with his experience and reflexes.

Rising Malaysian Star: Aliff Sor Dechapan

Aliff Sor Dechapan>, a 22‑year‑old from Kota Bharu now training in Bangkok, arrives on a five‑fight winning streak. The Malaysian knockout artist rattled off impressive finishes: a body‑punch TKO of Zakaria El Jamari>, a first‑round stoppage of Shamil Adukhov>, and a unanimous decision over Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash> where a flying scissor knee floored the Lebanese striker. Aliff’s striking range and athleticism have turned him into a threat across multiple distances.

He is chasing history as the first Malaysian to capture a ONE Muay Thai World Championship, adding prestige to his already bright future. The contrast between a seasoned legend and a prodigious up‑and‑comer sets the stage for a compelling title battle.

Panpayak’s Kickboxing Leap

In the co‑main event, “The Angel Warrior” Panpayak Jitmuangnon> steps into a kickboxing ring against Mexico’s Anuar Cisneros> at bantamweight. Panpayak, a seven‑time Muay Thai World Champion and triple Sports Writers of Thailand Fighter of the Year, brings a 3‑0 kickboxing record to ONE, relying on a devastating left kick and precise left straight. His overall professional record sits at 251 wins from 298 bouts, underscoring his dominance.

Cisneros, 25, emerges as a dark‑horse contender with two straight ONE victories. The Mexico City native showcases a sharp jab, inventive combos, and aerial attacks that include flying knees and head kicks. Size and finishing instinct combine to make him a genuine challenger to Panpayak’s legacy.

Full Card Overview

• Main Event: Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao vs. Aliff Sor Dechapan – Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship.

• Co‑Main: Panpayak Jitmuangnon vs. Anuar Cisneros – Kickboxing Bantamweight.

• Muay Thai Strawweight: Michel Dirlenbach vs. Mahan Fotouhi.

• Kickboxing Strawweight: Ryujin Nasukawa vs. Thongpoon PK Saenchai.

• Kickboxing Flyweight: Yoshida Kosei vs. Liu Junchao.

The event underscores ONE Championship’s ability to blend seasoned icons with rising talent, all presented from the iconic Lumpinee arena. Fans can expect high‑octane action across both Muay Thai and kickboxing disciplines, with each fight carrying its own narrative and potential for history.