Even with a long list of accolades, Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong continues to evolve his striking arsenal ahead of the ONE featherweight kickboxing world grand prix championship final at ONE X.
“Killer Kid” will face Chingiz Allazov in the tournament finale Saturday, and eight years after their first meeting, he feels ready to add a second victory over the Azerbaijani-Belarusian star.
Still, Sitthichai knows nothing will come easy at this historic 10-year anniversary event.
The eight-time kickboxing and muay Thai world champion earned a close decision win against “Chinga” after an extension round in their 2014 showdown, but he’s seen impressive strides from his opponent and expects a tough rematch in Singapore.
“Back then, I found that he was only good with his speed and his sharp eyes,” Sitthichai said. “But what I see in him now, he has everything. He is equipped with powerful and versatile weapons as well as strength. He’s much better and stronger compared to eight years ago.
“I think Chingiz’s head kick and his punch combinations are dangerous. He has lightning-fast head kicks and rapid punches that I should be very careful of. One more thing is his body. He is big and tall.”
“Killer Kid” was fairly new to kickboxing in that first encounter, but he’s become one of the most successful strikers of all time since his switch from muay Thai.
Along the way, the division’s current No. 3 contender earned a reputation as a cerebral fighter who uses tactics – rather than brute force – to overcome rivals.
He’ll look to do the same against No. 4-ranked Allazov, believing he can exploit some weaknesses and secure the silver grand prix belt. Plus, it sounds like fans might even witness a devastating new trick.
“In this fight, I plan to get close to him as much as possible and attack him with low kicks and kicks to the body,” Sitthichai said. “Chingiz doesn’t like short-range striking. He likes to keep his distance and attack from the outside. He becomes awkward when he has to fight in the clinch or when he’s being pressed. He’ll have a hard time if I can control the game.
“If possible, I will use my double flying knees that I have consistently trained for him. Also, I have a death blow which I named ‘super kick.’ We’ll have to wait and see if I have chance to use it. But I have trained it for the fight.
“I am confident that I will beat him again this fight. I will find the way to defeat him because I am here to be the champion. That’s my one and only goal. I must win.”
This story first published at ONEFC.com.
