Tawanchai eager to fight Jo Nattawut in his “best form” after epic barnburner in their first encounter

Thai superstar Tawanchai PK Saenchai battles compatriot Jo Nattawut in a highly anticipated rematch. He said he is excited to reengage with the veteran fighter after the epic turn their first encounter took.

The 25-year-old Pattaya native will put his ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title on the line against 'Smokin' Jo at ONE 167: Stamp vs Zamaboanga on June 7 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

It is a rematch of their barnburner first collision in kickboxing back in October, where Tawanchai edged out Nattawut by unanimous decision.

While the PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym standout won, not a few believed that his 34-year-old opponent did enough to win the contest. Making Nattawut's performance more impressive, he stepped in as a late replacement opponent for Superbon.

Given how their first encounter went down, Tawanchai said he is looking forward to taking on a more prepared Nattawut and showed that his victory was no fluke.

He told Sportskeeda MMA in an interview:

"I think we're looking forward to seeing Jo Nattawut in his best form. He's had time to train."

Both Tawanchai and Nattawut are coming off victories in the previous fights heading into ONE 167.

The former successfully defended his world title by majority decision against challenger Superbon in December while the latter was also a decision winner over American striker Luke Lessei in December.

ONE 167 is headlined by the ONE atomweight MMA world title fight between reigning champion Stamp Fairtex and Filipino challenger Denice Zamboanga. Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada can catch the event as it happens live on U.S. primetime free of charge.

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Tawanchai promises a better performance in rematch against Jo Nattawut

Tawanchai PK Saenchai admitted to having struggled in his first encounter with Jo Nattawut but promised a better performance in their rematch in June.

The reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion will defend his championship belt against 'Smokin' Jo in the co-headlining match at ONE 167: Stamp vs Zamboanga on June 7 in Bangkok, Thailand.

In an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Tawanchai said that unlike their non-title kickboxing match back in October, where many thought he narrowly escaped with a decision victory, in their scheduled title clash, he will have a more decisive victory to silence his doubters.

The 25-year-old champion said:

"It'll definitely be different this time. I understand that he comes from the same background, but I'm the champion and I'm confident in the rules. Last time it was a close fight, this time it won't be the same."

ONE 167 will mark the third defense of the title the PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym standout seized in September 2022. His last defense came in December last year, defeating challenger Superbon by majority decision.