Sam-A Gaiyanghadao’s impact on Muay Thai is undeniable. His achievements in ONE Championship, particularly his inaugural flyweight title victory, have cemented his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats
But Sam-A’s legacy goes beyond the titles and accolades; he has become a symbol of Muay Thai’s spirit and resilience, inspiring fighters and fans worldwide.
As Muay Thai continues to expand globally, fighters like Sam-A play a crucial role in promoting the sport and sharing its unique culture with the world.
His journey from Thailand to the global stage stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and a true love for the art of Muay Thai.
As he continues his journey in the martial arts world, whether through fighting or coaching, Wielzen remains a respected figure in Muay Thai, carrying his legacy as a champion and an ambassador of the sport.
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Table of Contents
Sam-A Gaiyanghadao: Making History in ONE Championship
Muay Thai, known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” requires an intricate balance of skill, precision, and resilience.1
Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, a name synonymous with Muay Thai excellence, has epitomized these qualities throughout his career.
Born and raised in Thailand, Sam-A’s discipline and dedication to the sport have earned him numerous accolades, including the historic achievement of being the first-ever ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion.
Uncomfortable distance to disturb the balance and create comfort in It Sityodtong Muay Thai & Kickboxing ARJ Trainingen #team4more Thai4More #NSW https://t.co/4E7zFUISUx
— Sergio Wielzen (@SergioWielzen) March 1, 2019
A Muay Thai Legend’s Journey
Sam-A’s journey with ONE Championship, one of the world’s leading martial arts organizations, began in January 2018. In his debut fight at ONE: Global Superstars, he faced Italian fighter Joseph Lasiri.
It was a landmark event, marking the first Muay Thai match in ONE Championship history. Sam-A’s performance that night showcased his superior skills, earning him not only a victory but also the admiration of a global audience.
Just a few months later, Sam-A made history once again, this time by capturing the inaugural ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
In a thrilling match held inside the iconic Singapore Indoor Stadium, he went up against the formidable Sergio Wielzen from Sityodtong Amsterdam. Sam-A’s relentless pressure and crisp, calculated strikes overwhelmed Wielzen, culminating in a decisive fourth-round victory.
Sam-A Gaiyanghadao: Winning the Inaugural Flyweight Title
The ONE Championship released a video of the historic match on YouTube, capturing the hearts of Muay Thai enthusiasts around the world.2
The organization’s caption read, “Muay Thai legend Sam-A made history when he captured the inaugural ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title against Sergio Wielzen in 2018!” This fight was not only a personal achievement for Sam-A but also a milestone for Muay Thai, proving that the sport could shine on a global stage.
Sam-A’s ability to control the pace and pressure of the fight proved instrumental in his victory. Wielzen, a talented fighter known for his resilience, found it nearly impossible to withstand Sam-A’s relentless attacks.
Sam-A’s combination of powerful kicks, precise punches, and devastating elbow strikes kept Wielzen on the defensive for much of the match. As the fourth round progressed, Sam-A delivered two thunderous elbow strikes that left Wielzen unable to continue, securing the title for Sam-A.
The Art of Eight Limbs: Sam-A’s Technique and Skill
Muay Thai is distinct for its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins – the “eight limbs” that make it so lethal and versatile. Sam-A’s mastery of these techniques was evident in his bout with Wielzen.
His ability to blend power with precision allowed him to control each round, cutting through Wielzen’s defenses with strategic strikes. His elbows, in particular, proved deadly, as seen in the fourth round when he delivered two final, decisive strikes that effectively ended the fight.
What sets Sam-A apart is not only his technical prowess but also his patience and discipline. Rather than rushing in for a quick knockout, he meticulously breaks down his opponents, wearing them down over time. This patience, coupled with his ability to exploit even the smallest of openings, has made him one of Muay Thai’s most respected and successful fighters.
The Impact of Sam-A’s Victory on Muay Thai
Sam-A’s historic win in 2018 had a far-reaching impact on Muay Thai as a sport. For years, Muay Thai was a discipline largely confined to Thailand, with limited exposure on the global stage.
ONE Championship’s decision to introduce Muay Thai fights to its roster signified a shift, providing fighters like Sam-A a chance to showcase their skills to an international audience. His victory demonstrated that Muay Thai could compete with the popularity of other combat sports, such as MMA and boxing, attracting fans from across the globe.
This milestone was also significant for Thai fighters, who often face financial challenges despite their talents. Sam-A’s win served as an inspiration to up-and-coming fighters in Thailand, proving that they, too, could achieve international recognition and success through Muay Thai.
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Sergio Wielzen: Bio
The Rise of “Samurai” in Muay Thai Kickboxing
Born on November 1, 1987, in Suriname, Sergio Wielzen moved to the Netherlands where he first encountered the world of Muay Thai.3
His interest in martial arts turned into a lifelong pursuit, leading him to train and develop his skills in the vibrant Muay Thai scene of the Netherlands.
Known for his tenacity and raw talent, Wielzen began his competitive career at the C-Class level, an entry-level in Dutch Muay Thai, and quickly progressed through the ranks, surprising opponents with his explosive power and adaptability.
Sergio’s fighting style earned him the nickname “Samurai” due to his precise, tactical approach combined with formidable strength.
Despite his relatively small stature, he has a reputation for delivering powerful strikes, often ending fights with knockouts.
His well-rounded skill set, which includes rapid hand speed, devastating kicks, and a strong clinch game, helped him stand out in the lightweight category, setting the stage for a memorable career.
Building Momentum: Early Victories and Rivalries
- In 2007, Sergio had a defining fight against Mohammed “Mootje” Kamal, another rising star in Muay Thai.
- Their first encounter was a B-Class match, which Wielzen won by decision, establishing his reputation as a serious competitor.
- This rivalry escalated as they met again a year later, with both fighters at the A-Class level.
- While Wielzen lost in a TKO decision in the fourth round, this fight demonstrated his resilience and ability to face high-caliber opponents.
- Despite the loss, he gained respect and solidified his position in the Muay Thai circuit.
- In 2010, Sergio Wielzen’s career took a significant leap when he faced Anuwat Kaewsamrit, a celebrated Thai fighter with a storied career.
- As the underdog, Wielzen defied expectations by delivering a brutal head kick that knocked out Kaewsamrit within the first 30 seconds of the fight.
- This victory sent shockwaves through the Muay Thai community and earned him recognition as a formidable lightweight fighter on the international stage.
Sergio Wielzen: Career
It’s Showtime 61MAX Title
After his victory over Kaewsamrit, Sergio continued to gain momentum, winning the U.M.C. Contender title against Imed Boukouayel and joining the esteemed It’s Showtime organization.
His first match with It’s Showtime took place in Milan, where he defeated local fighter Matteo Lippi by knockout.
Later that year, he was invited to compete for the inaugural It’s Showtime 61MAX world title against Mikael Peynaud. In a controversial decision due to a clash of heads that left Peynaud injured, Sergio won via technical decision, becoming the first-ever It’s Showtime 61MAX world champion.
Defending the Title and Facing Challenges
Sergio successfully defended his 61MAX title in Athens, Greece, against Japanese fighter Masahiro Yamamoto. In a dominant performance, Wielzen won by TKO, proving his skill and adaptability against international competition.
However, in March 2011, his title reign came to an end when he lost a majority decision to Karim Bennoui in Brussels. Despite this setback, Wielzen’s reputation remained intact, and he continued to compete at a high level.
Sergio’s career saw him competing worldwide, including bouts in Brazil, Austria, Russia, Italy, and Japan. Although he faced mixed results, his performances were marked by a consistent display of power and skill.
Notably, in 2012, he achieved a first-round knockout against Saša Jovanović at Vendetta VI in Vienna, Austria. In 2013, he continued to impress with a knockout win over Alexei Blinov in Cheboksary, Russia.
Setbacks and Learning Moments
- Not every match in Sergio’s career went in his favor. His bout against former Lumpinee Stadium champion Kaoponlek at Glory 7 in Milan, Italy, ended in a unanimous decision loss after he was knocked down in the first round.
- He also faced a high kick knockout loss to Masahiro Yamamoto during their rematch at RISE 94 in Tokyo.
- Despite these losses, Wielzen gained invaluable experience facing elite fighters and continued to refine his approach and resilience.
- In October 2013, Sergio entered the -65 kg Thai Max tournament in France.
- He began the event with a stunning first-round knockout of Mickael Peynaud in the quarterfinals but was defeated by Houcine Bennoui in the semifinals.
- Although he did not win the tournament, his performance added to his legacy and showcased his ability to compete at an international level against top talent.
Sergio Wielzen: Training and Transition to Sityodtong Muay Thai
In 2015, Sergio made a pivotal career decision by switching from Black Label and FF Carbin to Sityodtong Muay Thai & Kickboxing in Amsterdam.
Under the tutelage of trainers Paul and Vincent Pengel, he refined his technique and evolved his fighting style. This move to Sityodtong, a globally renowned Muay Thai academy, offered him new insights into training methods and an enhanced strategic approach.
The Lion Fight Championship and Current Legacy
Sergio continued to fight and, over time, claimed the Lion Fight Muay Thai world lightweight championship, adding another prestigious title to his career achievements.
Competing in organizations like Lion Fight allowed Wielzen to showcase his talents to audiences outside Europe and reinforce his reputation as a world-class Muay Thai fighter.
Throughout his career, Sergio Wielzen has earned respect for his ability to face formidable opponents, his relentless fighting style, and his knockout power.
Known as “Samurai,” he brought an indomitable spirit to the ring, always prepared to face a challenge regardless of his opponent’s reputation. His career is a testament to the dedication required to succeed in Muay Thai and the impact a determined fighter can have on the sport.
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