Tawanchai downplays Jo Nattawut’s fierce combos in their thrilling first encounter: “It’s nothing”

Reigning and undisputed ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai of Thailand isn't at all fazed by what he's about to face when he steps into the Circle for his highly anticipated rematch with former adversary 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut. Tawanchai will defend his ONE featherweight Muay Thai gold against the no.3-ranked contender Nattawut in the co-main event at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga on Prime Video.

The event broadcasts live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and free on Friday, June 7, U.S. primetime, on Amazon Prime Video.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Tawanchai says he is not worried about Nattawut's come-forward fighting style, downplaying his opponent's knockout ability.

The PK Saenchai Muay Thai gym athlete stated:

"It's nothing. I just took his punch and then I punched him back. Those shots didn't hurt me that much."

Tawanchai and Nattawut first met at ONE Fight Night 15 on Prime Video last October 2023. The 26-year-old phenom defeated the 34-year-old veteran via close unanimous decision after three rounds of action.

However, while Tawanchai was able to claim victory, Nattawut more than held his own and was able to push the younger fighter to his limit in one of Tawanchai's stiffest tests yet.

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Lito Adiwang and Johan Ghazali pick Tawanchai to beat Jo Nattawut at ONE 167

While their first encounter was no doubt a close affair, several ONE Championship athletes still pick Tawanchai to beat Jo Nattawut when the two meet again at ONE 167 early next month.

Filipino strawweight MMA sensation Lito 'Thunder Kid' Adiwang says he is excited to see the champ put on a show. Speaking to ONE Championship, he said:

"This is going to be incredible. I'm excited for this fight. I think that this fight will be close and similar to their first fight, but the champ will adjust better."

Meanwhile, Malaysian teenage star Johan Ghazali believes Tawanchai will dominate and that Nattawut is simply no match. He said:

"In Muay Thai, I feel Tawanchai is taking this easy. He has elbows, kicks, and knees. He has been fighting Muay Thai a lot more than kickboxing. So yeah, a win for him here."