“I don’t see myself as a celebrity” - Featherweight Muay Thai king Tawanchai remains humble despite rise in stardom

Thai fighter Tawanchai PK Saenchai has had immense success since joining ONE Championship. However, the increase in stardom has not changed him as an individual.

The 25-year-old PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym standout joined ONE in 2021 and has won eight of his nine fights to date, punctuated by winning the featherweight Muay Thai world title.

While he has achieved a lot in such a short span of time, Tawanchai said he is practically the same individual that he was prior to joining the 'Home of Martial Arts'; one who enjoys the simple things in life.

He told ONE Championship in an interview:

"ONE Championship has changed my life in a very good way. My life is better and more comfortable. But I'm still just acting normal. I don't see myself as a celebrity or someone special. I'm still the same Tawanchai who eats street food as usual."

Tawanchai seized the ONE featherweight Muay Thai belt from former divisional king Petchmorakot Petchyindee in September 2022 by unanimous decision. He's successfully defended the belt twice since, the last time back in December by majority decision against fellow Thai superstar Superbon.

The Pattaya native will once again defend his world title on June 7 at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. He is going up a familiar foe in veteran 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut.

ONE 167 will be available live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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Tawanchai mindful not to be too overconfident against Nattawut in rematch

Tawanchai PK Saenchai will once again go up against Jo Nattawut next month and said he will be mindful not to be too cocky which nearly caused him their first match.

The two Thai stars collided back in October in a tightly fought featherweight kickboxing contest, which the PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym standout won by unanimous decision.

While happy that he came away with the win, Tawanchai admitted it was too close for comfort as he underestimated what Nattawut is capable of bringing. It is something he will take note to avoid in their rematch at ONE 167 on June 7 in Thailand, more so since he will be staking the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an interview for their scheduled rematch, the reigning champion said:

"What I've learned from the first fight is that I was too cocky. I will not make the same mistake again in this fight."

At ONE 167, Tawanchai will be defending his world title for the second straight time after last December against Superbon, which he won by majority decision.

Apart from becoming a world champion, Nattawut, meanwhile, is also looking to make it back-to-back wins for him.