The Complete History Of The ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship
The ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship is more than just 26 pounds of gold. It represents the pinnacle of striking excellence, where only the most elite warriors dare to tread.
Since its inception, the 125-pound kickboxing crown has witnessed legendary battles that have captivated audiences worldwide. Each championship bout has delivered heart-pounding action, technical brilliance, and career-defining moments that separate legends from mere mortals.
From the inaugural king’s historic triumph to the current unification storyline that’s brewing, the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title has consistently produced some of the most memorable encounters in ONE Championship’s rich history.
This legacy of excellence will continue when the division’s top dog, Prajanchai PK Saenchai, and the interim titleholder, Jonathan Di Bella, collide in a highly anticipated unification bout at ONE Fight Night 36, which goes down live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, October 3.
But before this rivalry gets rekindled, let’s have a look at the magnificent run of the esteemed warriors who reigned over the men’s lightest kickboxing division.
Thai Icon Sam-A Blazes Trail As Inaugural Champion
The foundation of the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship began with a living legend who had already conquered the Muay Thai galaxy.
Sam-A Gaiyanghadao made history once again at ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS in December 2019. That evening in Kuala Lumpur, he unleashed the technical mastery forged across 400 professional bouts and turned him into a three-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion.
The Thai legend’s lightning-fast kicks and slick counter-punching proved decisive against “Golden Boy” Wang Junguang‘s aggressive forward pressure. His unanimous decision victory earned him the inaugural ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title and established him as the promotion’s first two-sport, two-division king.
Having previously captured the inaugural ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship, Sam-A’s kickboxing triumph bridged the gap between traditional Muay Thai excellence and modern kickboxing evolution. His subsequent ONE Strawweight Muay Thai Title victory in February 2020 created an unprecedented three-belt reign that established the template for multi-sport excellence.
When Sam-A announced his retirement from professional competition in February 2022, he vacated the strawweight kickboxing belt as the division’s only champion. But his passion for combat sports ultimately proved too strong to resist. The Thai legend returned to ONE in March 2023, and at 41 years old, he continues hunting for gold with the same fire that made him an icon.
Italian-Canadian Sensation Di Bella Claims Vacant Throne
The vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship created an opportunity for a new generation of strikers to emerge, and Jonathan Di Bella seized his moment.
The Italian-Canadian phenom made his promotional debut at ONE 162 in October 2022 with an unblemished 10-0 record. That night in the Malaysian capital, he faced explosive Chinese teen star “Fighting Rooster” Zhang Peimian.
What unfolded became an instant classic – a compelling five-round war packed with world-class technique, dynamic speed, and warrior spirit. Di Bella’s boxing pedigree shone through, as he repeatedly found success with his straight left.
But the Italian-Canadian striker sealed his championship destiny in the final frame when he uncorked a stunning left high kick that dropped Zhang. His unanimous decision victory made him the first male North American World Champion in ONE’s all-striking divisions.
Di Bella’s reign continued with a successful World Title defense against Australian underdog “Mini T” Danial Williams at ONE Fight Night 15 in October 2023, as he dominated him en route to a unanimous decision victory at Lumpinee Stadium.
However, fate intervened before his second scheduled defense in April 2024. The Italian-Canadian was scheduled to face then-ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai at ONE Friday Fights 58, but he failed his hydration tests and, as a result, he was stripped of the belt.
And just like that, the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title was vacant once again.
Thai Superstar Prajanchai Establishes Two-Sport Dominance
Before conquering ONE Championship, Prajanchai PK Saenchai – a mythical warrior with over 400 professional battles on his resume – had already etched his name in Muay Thai immortality with belts from the hallowed Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium.
After quickly knocking out his longtime rival Joseph Lasiri in their rematch to even the score and unify the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title, fate presented him with an opportunity for the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship.
Though his tilt with Di Bella was removed from ONE Friday Fights 58 in April 2024, the bout was rescheduled for the main event of ONE Friday Fights 68 two months later.
Di Bella dominated early with his reach advantage, but Prajanchai’s vast experience proved decisive. The Thai icon systematically broke down his Italian-Canadian rival with precision strikes, turning the tide when it mattered most. In the end, he earned the unanimous decision victory to claim the vacant crown, while also handing his North American rival his first career defeat.
Prajanchai’s unanimous decision triumph was nothing short of historic. The Thai joined rarefied air as only the second fighter to simultaneously hold both the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Titles, cementing his status as the division’s undisputed two-sport king.
Di Bella Wins Battle Of Former Kings, Takes The Interim Crown
With Prajanchai PK Saenchai defending the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship, the division’s two former kickboxing rulers met for the interim crown at ONE 172 in Japan this past March.
Jonathan Di Bella worked his way back into title contention, having earned a clinical win over surging Portuguese dynamo Rui Botelho in December 2024. Meanwhile, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao used his elite skills and veteran expertise to cruise to victory over Zhang Peimian a month earlier.
When the two warriors met for the ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Title at Saitama Super Arena, fireworks were guaranteed – and after five rounds of action, it was clear that Di Bella had made the strongest impact.
The Italian-Canadian’s youthful vigor, fast-paced offense, striking volume, and immense power seemed to overwhelm the living legend. He troubled the Thai with calf kicks, reddened the stomach with tremendous body shots, and even rocked him with powerful blows to the head, particularly the left hook.
As damage became more and more visible on Sam-A’s body, Di Bella switched up his attacks and effortlessly blended his combinations together to keep the Thai guessing.
When ring announcer Dom Lau declared Di Bella the winner, it was an emotional moment for him. The Italian-Canadian was thrilled to capture the ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Title, but also, he was equally happy to share the ring with one of his childhood heroes.
