Who’s Next For Muay Thai Legend And Singapore Resident Sagetdao Petpayathai?
After six years away from Muay Thai competition, Singapore resident Sagetdao “Deadly Star” Petpayathai made a successful return to “the art of eight limbs.”
“Deadly Star” showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with by defeating WPMF Muay Thai World Champion “Bamboo Sword” Zhang Chunyu last Friday at ONE: REIGN OF DYNASTIES II in “The Lion City.”
Even before his big return, the Evolve MMA representative had done almost everything there is to do in the sport. Sagetdao captured seven Muay Thai World Titles – four of them coming from Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadiums – while competing in some historic matchups.
In 2009, for example, “Deadly Star” defeated Saenchai PK Saenchai Muaythaigym, one of the sport’s all-time greats, at the annual Lumpinee Stadium birthday event.
Two years later, he went on a tear at the same stadium, besting ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, Petchboonchu FA Group, Saenchai (again), and Singdam Kiatmoo9.
It seems the only accolade he’s yet to receive is a ONE Championship World Title. But after his win at ONE: REIGN OF DYNASTIES II, Sagetdao could be on a path toward challenging for the prestigious belt.
Despite his lengthy layoff, the Thai dominated Zhang throughout the three-round contest with sweltering left kicks en route to the unanimous decision win.
And while Zhang was a great test for the returning fighter, it would be exciting to watch Sagetdao compete against a top-five ranked featherweight athlete – perhaps someone like “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex.
Yodsanklai last appeared in The Home Of Martial Arts on 31 July at ONE: NO SURRENDER, where he challenged ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy for the latter’s divisional belt.
Many believe the decision should have gone Yodsanklai’s way. Nonetheless, he’s still very relevant and would be a tough test for “Deadly Star.”
“The Boxing Computer” is a destructive southpaw who knows how to use his left kicks and stinging right uppercuts to put away foes.
Since Sagetdao is also a southpaw, it would be a battle between two fierce left kickers. But what “Deadly Star” can do better than Yodsanklai is keep the distance and fight from the outside by using his long right jabs and straight lefts.
That means Yodsanklai wouldn’t be able to land his crippling punches, and if he did get close enough to try, he’d have to be wary of Sagetdao wrapping him up and throwing stabbing knees and slicing elbows.
If “Deadly Star” does meet and beat the Fairtex representative, he could replace Yodsanklai as the #5-ranked featherweight in ONE Super Series Muay Thai.
Doing so would get him closer to challenging Petchmorakot and potentially adding to his long list of Muay Thai World Titles.
In the meantime, catch ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX on 30 October at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The blockbuster event will feature four World Title bouts between the promotion’s most exciting stars.
Read More From ONE Championship:
Hiroki Akimoto Narrowly Bests Zhang Chenglong In Kickboxing Thriller
Singapore To Host ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX, Full Card Revealed
Sagetdao Petpayathai Earns Win In Long-Awaited Return To Muay Thai
