"A win will get me there" - Jo Nattawut says beating Bampara Kouyate sets him up for another shot at featherweight Muay Thai throne

Jo Nattawut is completely focused on getting back to winning ways when he makes his return at ONE 170. 'Smokin' Jo still has the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world championship in his sights and he's not going to let it go without a fight.

The No.2-ranked striker has suffered back-to-back losses that have set him back in his career. But as has always been the case with the 35-year old, his record doesn't tell the full story.

Nattawut came so close to dethroning the champion Tawanchai in their last meeting at ONE 167 in June but his chances of getting another rematch were stopped by Superbon last September.

The world championship is now set to be on the line in the main event on Jan. 24 - the same night the former challenger returns to face No.4-ranked Bampara Kouyate.

His French opponent is a dangerous contender. With that said, Jo Nattawut isn't ready to let him pass by and take his place in the division. He had this to say about the fight in a recent interview with ONE Championship:

"My dream and goal is to get a shot for Muay Thai belt again. So in this fight, I have to maintain my #2 ranking. Hopefully, a win will get me there. I will not let him take my spot away without a fight."

Jo Nattawut needs to get his hand raised on January 24

The last time that Jo Nattawut competed at the Impact Arena, he nearly left the venue with the featherweight gold. Whilst he's still focused on becoming the world champion, he needs to put this to the back of his mind ahead of January 24.

Nattawut must get his hand raised by halting the momentum of Bampara Kouyate if he's going to get back into the title picture. As such, winning is an absolute must for 'Smokin' Jo on fight night.

ONE 170 will be available via watch.onefc.com.