Sitthichai: “While the cat is away, the mice can play - but the cat is b...

  “While the cat is away, the mice can play,” smiles GLORY lightweight champion Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, quoting a well-known proverb.    “But now the cat is back.”   Sitthichai (118-30-5, 32 KO’s) has been absent from the GLORY ring since March last year when he defended his title with a stoppage win over French challenger Dylan Salvador at GLORY 39 BRUSSELS.    “I’ve been away for a while because I fought all the best guys and beat everyone, so there needed to be some time for new opponents to emerge,” the Bangkok-based champion explains.    Sitthichai’s GLORY record includes two wins over Marat Grigorian, two wins over former champion Davit Kiria and one win over Robin van Roosmalen, who he relieved of the lightweight title at GLORY 31.   In Sitthichai’s absence, Chris ‘Bad News’ Baya (60-5-1, 35 KO’s) has emerged as a challenger to his throne, smashing his way to four wins from four fights.   This Friday night the two will headline the GLORY 50 SUPERFIGHT SERIES card in Chicago, USA.   “One thing I note about him is he has got heavy hands, he’s a hard puncher. He is a bit more dangerous than some of the other guys because he’s good with his knees as well,” says Sitthichai.   “And he switches stances. You can get caught at any time and that makes it a dangerous fight.   “But I’m not scared. I like the fighters that put pressure on me. It makes it interesting for me. It’s all about the timing and distance, that’s going to be the important factor in this fight.”   GLORY 50 CHICAGO takes place this Friday, February 16 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.    The SUPERFIGHT SERIES card airs live on UFC FIGHT PASS.