🏈SAM CAFRANCA
Sam Cafranca doesn’t exactly give off Mortal Kombat sports energy. Soft-spoken, reserved, often spotted quietly reading a book between schedules—he’s the kind of guy you’d expect to save his energy for the stage. But behind the calm exterior of this VXON member is an athlete discovering a new kind of discipline: Muay Thai.
I’ve worked with Sam since the very beginning of VXON’s career—back when they dropped their first single, “The Beast.” Since then, I’ve photographed him multiple times, and one thing has always stood out: consistency. No complaints, no diva moments. Just work. Seeing him now, juggling idol life, intense dance rehearsals, and full-contact combat training, makes you wonder—how does he do it?
From Fitness to Fighting
Sam’s Muay Thai journey didn’t begin with dreams of competition. Like many, it started as a way to stay fit. But what began as exercise quickly evolved into something deeper.
“At first it was just fitness for me,” he shares. “Then I ended up loving it. It became my outlet for stress and overthinking.”
That outlet eventually led him into amateur competition—an experience that reshaped his confidence. Winning his first fight wasn’t about titles or validation from others. It was personal.
“My only motivation was to prove to myself that I can fight,” Sam says. “To protect the people I love and care about.”
When the referee raised his hand, the victory came with something more lasting than a medal: inner calm and self-belief.
Tempo, Rhythm, and Survival
At first glance, Muay Thai and dance performance seem worlds apart. One is aggressive, the other expressive. But Sam sees them as deeply connected.
“Muay Thai is tempo, rhythm, and timing. Same with dancing,” he explains. “If you don’t know how to do all three at the same time, your accuracy suffers.”
Just like choreography falls apart when a dancer gases out, punches and kicks lose precision when a fighter runs out of breath. The body doesn’t lie—whether you’re under stage lights or ring lights.
Still, the differences are stark. Dance demands memorization and visual perfection. Muay Thai demands flow, reaction, and instinct. Patterns work onstage; in the ring, they get you countered.
“Muay Thai reorganizes my thoughts,” Sam says. “Dancing should feel good and look good. Muay Thai feels raw—but both are real.”
Performer First, Fighter Second
Despite stepping into the ring, Sam doesn’t hesitate when asked which is harder.
“Preparing for a VXON performance is harder for me.”
As a performer, he has to manage energy, pacing, crowd interaction, and full-out choreography—without burning out. Muay Thai, by contrast, is brutally simple.
“It’s self-centered. My only focus is to hurt my opponent until he can’t fight anymore.”
That clarity may be exactly why the sport appeals to him.
The Grind Behind the Calm
Sam trains Muay Thai three times a week, alternating with running and calisthenics, while VXON rehearsals happen daily. Recovery isn’t optional—it’s survival. Weekends are reserved for massages, stretching, and time with family.
He journals to clear his mind, plays electric guitar, and keeps a disciplined skincare routine to balance sweat, makeup, and lack of sleep. Diet-wise, he keeps it simple—lots of carbs to fuel the grind. After a long day? Burgers, or a Salisbury steak from Denny’s.
Simple comforts for a complex schedule.
Quiet, Focused, Dangerous
As for VXON, Vixies can expect more upbeat music, stronger songwriting, and heavier dance breaks as the group continues to evolve.
He may be a newbie in Muay Thai, but on stage, Sam Cafranca is already a black belter. And as VXON celebrates their 4th year anniversary with their biggest concert yet—“Kalawakan” this February at the Skydome—it’s clear that Sam’s discipline, whether forged in the gym or the ring, is only sharpening his edge.
FINAL QUESTION: If Sam had to spar with a fellow VXON member? His pick is C13—“strong enough to endure punches and kicks.” A respectful answer. Very Sam.
VXON: Kalawakan — February 28, 2026 at the Skydome. Tickets available at smtickets.com and any SM ticket outlets.
Photography: Raymond Cauilan
Styling: Dave Arden
Grooming: Lionel Fabros
Special thanks to Cornerstone
