Bangkok Post – ONE Championship: Jonathan Di Bella tells Prajanchai: “Fight me in Atlanta or you give up the title”

The former champion wants an interim title fight in strawweight kickboxing if his rival does not grant him a rematch at ONE 169 in Atlanta on November 8, amid rumors that the Thai wants to move up to 135 pounds

Jonathan Di Bella has challenged Prajanchai PK Saenchai for a rematch in Atlanta or he would have to give up the ONE Championship strawweight kickboxing title if he wants to move up to the 135-pound division.

The Italian-Canadian suffered a controversial unanimous decision loss to Thailand's Prajanchai in July, sparking an outcry from some fans and media representatives who saw things differently at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium.

With his victory, Muay Thai king Prajanchai also became champion in two sports, in the ONE up to 125 pounds, but he seems hungry for more gold in the next weight class up.

The 29-year-old Thai recently expressed his desire to test himself at flyweight on social media – starting with a superfight against Japanese striking icon Takera Segawa – and his comments were met with little enthusiasm by former champion Di Bella.

“Chatri [Sityodtong ONE chairman and CEO] wanted us to do the rematch, but Prajanchai decided to move up to the 135-pound division. Yes, he's going to flyweight,” Di Bella told the Bangkok Post in New York, where he was celebrating the annual San Gennaro festival with his family.

“I should definitely fight for the vacant championship title or an interim belt on the Atlanta card.

“If he decides to stay at strawweight, let's definitely do the rematch on November 8th in Atlanta. That's what I'm hoping for.”

Following a successful September appearance in Denver, Colorado, ONE returns to the USA on November 8th for ONE 169 at the State Farm Arena.

Di Bella has been eager for a rematch against Prajanchai since his loss at ONE Friday Fights 68 earlier this summer.

He and his team thought they had won the first three rounds of the five-round fight, but Prajanchai outscored him 4-1 on two of the three scorecards, prompting some fans on social media to chant “robbery.”

“I don't know why he wants to move up,” added Di Bella. “I would rather do the rematch. But if he does that, it's good for him.”

“I just want to fight and get my belt back.”

Four title fights are already underway at ONE 169 in Atlanta, most notably an MMA heavyweight fight between Anatoly Malykhin and challenger Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane.

Featherweight Muay Thai champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai will also defend his belt in a trilogy rematch against “Smokin'” Jo Nattawuti.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon will put his Muay Thai flyweight belt on the line in a rematch against Britain's Jacob Smith, while Christian Lee returns from a two-year hiatus to defend his MMA lightweight title against Alibeg Rasulov.