‘Whoever Wins, Come Face Me’ – Prajanchai Breaks Down Interim World Title Clash Between Sam-A And Aliff
Prajanchai offers his prediction for the massive showdown this Friday at The Inner Circle 23.
By Kriel Ibarrola
Jul 23, 2026, 13:02 UTC
Reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PongSuphan PK has a deeply personal investment in Sam-A Gaiyanghadao‘s blockbuster showdown with Aliff Sor Dechapan in the main event of The Inner Circle 23 this Friday, July 24.
Whoever walks away on top will be crowned the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion, and with it, a future clash with Prajanchai. The card broadcasts live in Asia primetime, exclusively on live.onefc.com, from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Prajanchai’s connection to this matchup runs deep, forged through his own history with both men. He ushered in his first reign by dethroning Sam-A via majority decision at ONE: BATTLEGROUND in 2021. The Thai tactician delivered a far more decisive verdict two years later at ONE Friday Fights 22, knocking out the legend in the second round to claim interim gold.
Earlier this year, the Bangkok native was expected to defend his crown against Aliff, and the pair even shared a heated staredown to promote the looming war. However, the match never materialized after Prajanchai required surgery for a lingering injury, which ultimately paved the way for this interim title clash instead.
That unresolved chapter aside, a different kind of battle now awaits, one where a stark 20-year age gap has many favoring the younger man.
Aliff is also chasing the distinction of becoming Malaysia’s first-ever ONE World Champion, a quest already backed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Still, Prajanchai insists it would be unwise to count out Sam-A. The ageless veteran is riding a red-hot three-fight winning streak against considerably younger opposition, fueling the case for a possible trilogy down the line.
Prajanchai said:
“In this matchup, I view Aliff as the favorite over Sam-A because he’s younger and fresh, plus he has the advantage in terms of speed and reach.
“However, you can’t underestimate Sam-A. Even though he’s older, he remains dangerous. Recently, even when he gets knocked down, he always gets back up. And in his latest fight, he even knocked out a younger opponent. His physical condition is truly remarkable.”
Anticipation continues to build around this striking masterclass, a clash of styles pitting youth and blistering speed against decades of hard-earned experience.
That reality has left Prajanchai genuinely torn on an official prediction, content instead to embrace the role of a curious spectator for this high-stakes battle of eras.
The 31-year-old added:
“Both Sam-A and Aliff are incredible fighters, so this fight is bound to be exciting. I believe that unless someone makes a mistake first, it will definitely go the distance.
“Regardless of who wins, I’m ready to defend my belt against either of them. Whoever wins, come face me.”
Prajanchai Eyes Return Before Year’s End
Prajanchai PongSuphan PK has been sidelined since early 2026, but the Thai appears to be closing in on a long-awaited return to action.
The PK Saenchai Muaythaigym representative has attacked his rehabilitation with the same relentless intensity and dedication he brings inside the ring, and that grueling work is paying off as he nears a full recovery.
He shared:
“Right now, my physical condition is back to around 90 percent, and I’ve resumed normal training. I continue to train every day to stay fit and prepare for my return to the ring, which I expect to be toward the end of this year.”
Raring to get back in action, Prajanchai is eager to run it against whoever emerges victorious between Sam-A and Aliff this Friday, and leave no doubt by unifying the throne.
Still, Prajanchai’s sights aren’t limited to one path. He’s also acknowledged unfinished business with undisputed ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella. The fierce rivals have split their first two meetings, with Prajanchai eager to avenge his most recent setback, a grueling five-round war that cost him two-sport supremacy.
The former dual-belt ONE World Champion said:
“As for my return fight, whether ONE wants me to defend my Muay Thai World Title right away or take a kickboxing match first to get back into the groove, it’s completely up to the schedule ONE gives me. I’m ready for anything. I just want to fight.”
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