“It can be as big as MMA” – Jo Nattawut expects Muay Thai to explode globally in the coming years

'Smokin' Jo Nattawut expects Muay Thai to see an explosion in popularity over the next decade that could make it as big — or even bigger — than mixed martial arts.

On Friday, June 7, Nattawut will once again compete in his home country of Thailand when ONE Championship heads back to Impact Arena for an absolutely loaded ONE 167 card. In the co-main event of the evening, Nattawut will challenge reigning and defending ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai.

Ahead of their highly anticipated clash in the art of eight limbs, Nattawut spoke to ONE Championship about the recent rise in popularity of Muay Thai around the world and just how far the sport can go with ONE Championship at the helm.

“Thinking about Muay Thai, overall, in the next 10 years, it can be as big as [MMA] or even bigger because it’s so exciting and people love watching it," Nattawut said. "I think if ONE keeps going like this for the next five to ten years, we can reach the highest level.”

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Jo Nattawut looks to finish what he started against Tawanchai at ONE Fight Night 15

Jo Nattawut vs. Tawanchai will serve as a rematch after the two Thai warriors went toe-to-toe at ONE Fight Night 15 in October. Tawanchai ultimately came out on top in their three-round kickboxing clash, but Nattawut's immense pressure and impressive performance were enough to earn him the respect of Tawanchai, and an opportunity to challenge the champ for his 26 pounds of ONE gold.

Jo Nattawut's kickboxing record under the ONE banner leaves a lot to be desired, but in Muay Thai, he is a solid 4-1 with noteworthy wins over George Mann, Samy Sana, and Luke Lessei.

He's also shared the Circle with some of the best strikers in the world, such as Giorgio Petrosyan and reigning ONE featherweight kickboxing champion Chingiz Allazov.

Who leaves The Land of Smiles with the featherweight Muay Thai title wrapped around their waist?

ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 167 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime on Friday, June 7.