Samy Sana: Yusupov ‘Has To Fear Everything Because I’m Strong, Tall, And Powerful’

It will be Sana’s first bout in ONE Championship since dropping a unanimous decision to Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan in the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship Final last year.

The man from Paris knows it’s vital to beat Yusupov in their featherweight Muay Thai foray if he wants another shot at gold.

“This is a really important bout that I’m taking extremely seriously,” Sana said. “Especially [if there is a chance to compete] for the ONE Championship belt.”

The Frenchman is also well-aware of how much power his Dagestani opponent carries in his firsts.

After all, Yusupov knocked out “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex in his debut last year. It was a finish that nobody in 10 years had been able to pull off against the Thai legend – not even Sana.

However, “AK47” believes his own win over Yodsanklai may have helped Yusupov score the impressive finish. And this Friday, he plans to show both “Kherow” and fans around the world that he’s the superior athlete.

“He beat Yodsanklai after I’d beaten him. I think Yodsanklai was still in mental shock after my bout, so it was easier for him, but I’ll show that I’m the boss,” Sana said.

“There is not a lot of footage of him available, but I’m analyzing his Yodsanklai bout. He seems to be a good striker, but I’m also really powerful. He has a good boxing technique, and he comes from K-1, so I’ll only have to care about his fists.”

As for what Yusupov should be on the lookout for, Sana narrowed it down to three factors.

“He has to fear everything because I’m strong, tall, and powerful,” the Frenchman said. “I’m a pure nak muay, so it’ll be tough for him. We are going to put on a good fight.

“As with every fight, I’ll need to give my best at 200 percent to finish the opponent and to show I’m the best.”

Sana certainly feels a sense of urgency to get back in the win column – not only to get back on track, but also to get closer to the accolades he’s been chasing.

“Of course, I’ve been disappointed by my loss because I’m not used to losing. Losing is very tough for me. But Giorgio and I are in the same rankings, so there will definitely be a time to take my revenge,” Sana said.

“It is definitely my goal to get the ONE Championship belt. I’ll do anything, and I’ll get to it in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and maybe in the higher weight class.

“In my next bout, I’ll prove that I am a top contender who is tough to beat, and I want to show that I am the real champion of my weight class.”

Catch Sana versus Yusupov at the previously recorded ONE: COLLISION COURSE II this Friday, 25 December, by downloading the ONE Super App.