ONE Championship: Sittichai Sitsongpeenong looking to get career back on track against debutant Masaaki Noiri
- Thai fighter was previously the Glory lightweight champion but his reputation has been dented by a couple of recent losses
- Sittichai is excited about Noiri fight because he has never faced a Japanese fighter before
Sittichai Sitsongpeenong is looking to get his career back on track when he fights promotional newcomer Masaaki Noiri at ONE 167 next month.
The Thai fighter was previously the Glory lightweight champion and at one stage considered to be one of the best kickboxers on the planet. But his reputation has been dented by a couple of recent losses.
Standing in his way is a former K-1 lightweight and super lightweight champion and someone regarded as being one of the best pound for pound kickboxers in Japan
“When I got the contract I was excited because it’s my first time facing an opponent from Japan,” Sittichai told the Post in an exclusive interview.
The 32-year-old fought in Japan for the first time at ONE 165 in January but it was not a happy memory as he was stopped in the third round by Marat Grigorian at the Ariake Arena.
It was his first stoppage loss since 2011 when he broke his collarbone during a fight and he said that defeat made him change his approach.
