Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong will look to get his career back on track when he faces promotional newcomer Masaaki Nogyu at ONE 167 next month.
The Thai fighter was previously Glory's lightweight champion and at one stage was considered one of the best kickboxers on the planet. However, his reputation has suffered after several recent losses.
Standing in his way is a former K-1 lightweight and super lightweight champion who is considered one of Japan's strongest pound-for-pound kickboxers.
“When I received the contract, I was excited because it was my first time playing against a Japanese opponent,” Sittichai told The Post in an exclusive interview.
The 32-year-old first fought in Japan at ONE 165 in January, but it wasn't a happy memory as he was stopped in three rounds by Marat Grigoryan at Ariake Arena.
It was his first stoppage loss since 2011, when he broke his collarbone during a fight, but he said the defeat prompted him to change his approach.
“We had to make some adjustments to make sure we won the next game,” he added. “I want to believe in myself and do my best.”
That belief must have been tested after losing three of their last five games. One of them was a decision loss to Genghis Alazov, and while there's no shame in losing to a featherweight champion, his decision loss to Mohammad Siasarani at ONE Fight Night 22 was a decision loss to Mohammad Siasarani, where the Iranian was not competing. It turned out to be a rather big setback for him. Title picture.
His next fight, scheduled for June 7th at Impact Arena, will be especially important as he hopes to avoid a third straight loss.
However, Nogi has won 11 of his past 12 fights and is desperate to make a good impression in his first ONE Championship match.
“We both want a win so the fans can expect a fun and exciting fight because we are both hungry for a win,” Sittichai said.
In 2022, Sittichai reached the featherweight finals of the Kickboxing Grand Prix and was one win away from winning the title, but he has since fallen further down the rankings.
He said a unification fight between regular champion Alazov and interim champion Superbon Sinha Mawin should be next on the agenda, but he is looking forward to a fight with the winner.
“I think Super Bon should fight Genghis because he's the interim champion so it makes sense to fight the champion,” he said. “I will do my best so that I can challenge for the title someday.
“I want to win the kickboxing belt. This is a very important match in my career and I am determined to win to get closer to that title.”
