FREE FULL FIGHT: Jo Nattawut’s electrifying barnburner against American rising star Luke Lessei in Bangkok

Before “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut steps back into action this Friday, January 24, ONE Championship took a trip down memory lane to highlight why the Thai powerhouse remains a dangerous force in the stacked featherweight Muay Thai division.

One such reminder came at ONE Fight Night 17 in December 2023, where Nattawut spoiled the promotional debut of American striker Luke Lessei in front of a raucous crowd at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Relive that intense duel by watching the clip below:

From the opening bell, Nattawut delivered on his promise of aggression, relentlessly closing the distance and engaging Lessei in the pocket to set the tone for a barnburner. The Thai warrior endured a grueling battle, outlasting the durable American via unanimous decision in a thrilling three-round affair.

The intensity ramped up in the second round when Lessei cornered Nattawut and unloaded a flurry of elbows. But the battle-tested veteran absorbed the strikes, responded with a sharp elbow of his own, and punctuated the exchange with a push kick to regain control.

With the bout still up for grabs in the final frame, both men pushed for a finish. Lessei came closest, wobbling “Smokin’” Jo with a right hand near the end of the round. However, the American couldn’t capitalize on his moment, allowing Nattawut to regain his footing and see the matchup through to the final bell.

When the dust settled, Nattawut’s relentless work rate earned him the nod from all three judges, putting him back in the win column and securing his place in the talent-laden rankings of the weight class.

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Jo Nattawut clashes with Bampara Kouyate at ONE 170

Now, Jo Nattawut faces another stiff challenge as he reports for duty at ONE 170 this Friday, taking on Bampara Kouyate — a fellow fighter who also holds a victory over Luke Lessei.

With the encounter set to happen at a sold-out Impact Arena in Bangkok, Nattawut is fighting not just to defend his No. 2 ranking but to keep his hopes alive for another shot at the division’s coveted crown later this year.