Dejdamrong “Sor” Amnuaysirichoke has already reached the pinnacle of one sport but instead of retiring after winning the Lumpinee, Thailand and Siam Omnoi titles during a decorated Muay Thai career, he has set his sights on becoming a MMA world champion.
The 35 year old made his pro MMA debut earlier this year and has already won two fights with both finishes coming in the opening round. He’s set to compete inside the cage for the third time next month at One FC’s Roar of Tigers contest in Kuala Lumpur but says that the schedule is nothing compared to what he was used to during his Muay Thai career.
“I used to fight every month in Bangkok, so three fights in a year is easy for me,” he said. “But MMA is a completely new sport, and I have a lot to learn, whereas in Muay Thai I just had to maintain my fitness and keep my weight down.”
With a 2-0 record Dejdamrong is one of the fastest-rising stars in ONE FC’s 125-pound division and is enjoying a new lease of life after retiring from Muay Thai after 300 fights. He says he was tempted to take up MMA after seeing some of his team mates training.
“I came to Evolve MMA in Singapore to teach Muay Thai but I saw the MMA team training together every day and I wanted to try and see if I could do it,” Dejdamrong said. “After around six months of training they said I was ready for my first fight.”
Dejdamrong made his pro debut at One FC’s Era of Champions in Jakarta this June and won by TKO in under five minutes. He says this performance made him confident he has what it takes to launch a successful, second fighting career.
“I really enjoyed the different rules and was able to do some things that would not be allowed in Muay Thai,” he said. “My coaches at Evolve MMA are all very experienced and they prepared me very well so I had no problems in the fight.”
In his second appearance Dejdamrong raised a few eyebrows when he won by rear naked choke in Dubai, and even he admits being surprised by the outcome,
“I was happy to win by a submission because I have been training MMA for almost one year, and I have learned a lot in that time,” Dejdamrong said. “My trainers are from Brazil and they were all very happy for me too, I wanted to show that Thai fighters can do everything, not just Muay Thai.”
Next up for the fighter, who spent many years training at the Lookbanyai Gym in Sutthisan, is a bout on Oct. 17 with Malaysia’s Saiful Merican at One FC’s Roar of Tigers event at Stadium Putra in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Merican is a veteran of three One FC matches and holds a 3-1 record. He represents a step up for Dejdamrong, who said he’s determined to maintain his undefeated start and continue to fly the flag for Thai fighters in the sport of MMA,
“For most of my Muay Thai career I fought against other Thais, but I am proud to represent Thailand in different countries and to show the world that Muay Thai is the most dangerous martial art of all,” he said. “I hope some people in Thailand will be able to watch this fight.”
In Thailand the match will be aired on Fox Sports 3, with the main card to start at 7pm (Thailand).
