Sagetdao Petpayathai’s status as a Muay Thai legend is already assured. Now, the man known as “Deadly Star” is looking to make waves in a new arena.
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Singapore’s Petpayathai recently transitioned from the ring to the cage, and was successful in his professional debut at ONE: WARRIOR KINGDOM in March this year, scoring a 140-second stoppage of Kelvin Ong.
Now the 31-year-old, who has been helping sharpen the skills of some of Asia’s best martial artists as a Muay Thai instructor at Singapore’s renowned Evolve MMA, is ready to showcase his own skills on the big stage.
It is a far cry from his humble beginnings, where he took up Muay Thai at the age of 7 and turned professional soon thereafter, despite the apprehension of his mother.
“As a child, it was the only way I could get some money,” he explains. “It was also something I liked, and it was a fun challenge. I saw it as a way to help better my life and future. It also brought honor to me and my family.”
Eventually, his dedication and desire to succeed won over his mother. To a degree, that is.
“She would come to the match, but would not really watch,” he offers. “She would come to the stadium and stand outside, and ask people how the match went once it was over.”
Buoyed by that support, “Deadly Star” went on to amass a stellar record in Muay Thai, competing in over 200 contests and winning a plethora of prestigious titles, including the Lumpinee World Championship four times.
Now he is looking to find success in ONE Championship, and will make his second professional appearance at ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: SHANGHAI on Saturday, 2 September. He will take on Egyptian veteran Mahmoud Mohamed (4-4-1) to open the night’s main card.
Ahead of the next big match of his career, he is ready for the fresh challenge cage competition provides, as he strives to replicate the success of his Muay Thai career inside the ONE cage.
“I am looking forward to going into the cage and testing myself,” he mentions. “I never underestimate any of my opponents, and I am bringing my all. As with most martial artists, the ultimate goal is to go for a championship belt and get a title. It is no different for me.”
