ONE SAMURAI 1: “I need it so badly”

ONE atomweight Muay Thai world title challenger Songchainoi Kiatsongrit of Thailand has one ultimate goal.

The 25-year-old has always wanted to become a world champion in the home of martial arts, and he finally gets that well-earned chance on Wednesday.

Songchainoi faces a familiar foe and reigning ONE atomweight Muay Thai world champion Nadaka on April 29 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, at ONE SAMURAI 1.

The Kiatsongrit Muay Thai Gym representative went through the wringer for this possible life-altering moment. He rattled off win after win to earn a six-figure contract at ONE Friday Fights and establish himself as one of the most dangerous atomweight Muay Thai fighters in the world.

Now, everything he has worked tirelessly for has led him to this moment.

Songchainoi told ONE Championship in his pre-event interview:

“Losing in the match against Numsurin has made me want to become the champion even more. I have also learned many things from the fight with him. I have seen so many things and I have seen the [championship within reach].”

The world title challenger continued:

“There was an opportunity to win the championship in atomweight. It has made me crave for it. I want it. To be honest, I need it so badly. I want to have it. It is so beautiful. I want to place it on my shoulder.”

Songchainoi recalls upset loss to Numsurin

Songchainoi was poised to get this long-awaited rematch with Nadaka sooner.

However, much to everyone’s shock, he dropped a unanimous decision loss to fellow Thai Numsurin, who went on to fight for the inaugural belt.

“I was really disappointed. But I did not blame anyone,” Songchainoi told ONE. Partly, I blame it on myself for being reckless and took him for granted. Being confident is the best thing you can have but being overconfident could be the two-sided sword.”

Get your ONE SAMURAI 1 pay-per-view at live.onefc.com and witness Songchainoi’s quest for gold live.