ONE 167 results: Tawanchai vs. 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut

Eight months removed from their instant classic at ONE Fight Night 15, reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai returned to the Circle for a high-stakes rematch with one of ONE Championship's most versatile strikers, 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut.

Round 1: Nattawut kicks things off with a body kick and Tawanchai gives him his receipt, firing a stiff kick to his opponent's lead leg. The two pepper each other with kids to start the opening round. Tawanchai lands a big body kick and immediately follows it up with a straight right hand. Nattawut comes back with a right hand of his own followed by another big leg kick.

With less than a minute to go, they continue to trade kicks, and Nattawut's limb is beginning to show wear already. Nattawut swings big and misses, allowing Tawanchai to land another body kick.

Round 2: Nattawut comes forward early in the second round, but ends up eating a big counter left from Tawanchai for his trouble. Both fighters trade high kicks before going back to the leg attacks. Tawanchai doubles up on the body kick before unleashing a looping right hand that narrowly misses the mark.

Tawanchai again attacks the body with a kick and Nattawut throws a check right hook that connects just before the second round bell sounds.

Round 3: Nattawut goes high with a kick and Tawanchai counters with a well-timed leg kick. Nattawut goes back to the high kick, partially catching Tawanchai and then connecting with a solid right hand. Nattawut is putting on pressure and Tawanchai appears to be struggling with the onslaught coming his way. Nattawut lets his hands go with a combination as Tawanchai appears to be hesitant to respond.

Nattawut lands a nice jab. Tawanchai lands a body kick and Nattawut answers back. Tawanchai is showing a bit of swelling under his left eye as Nattawut pushes the champ against the fence and delivers a series of stiff knees in the clinch. As the time runs down on the round, both fighters stand in close and trade shots.

Round 4: Tawanchai goes back to the body with a kick, but Nattawut comes right back with a combination that puts Tawanchai on his backfoot. Moving Nattawut back with a series of kicks, Tawanchai is beginning to pick up the pace and pour it on as Nattawut goes back to the leg kick. Tawanchai doubles up on the left hand.

Nattawut throws a two-punch combination followed by a head kick. Tawanchai moves forward to respond, but Nattawut kicks his leg out from under him, sending him slipping to the canvas. Back on his feet, Tawanchai presses forward but eats a left hand just before the round ends.

Round 5: Going into the fifth and final round of what could very well be an even fight, both fighters start a little hesitant with Tawanchai moving forward. They trade a series of kicks before Tawanchai lands a 1-2 that snaps back Nattawuts head near the fence. Tawanchai continues to press as Nattawut throws a right hand. Tawanchai responds with a body kick.

Nattawut closes the distance and clinches but eats an inside elbow from Tawanchai for his trouble. With a minute to go, Tawanchai keeps the pressure on, backing Nattawut to the cage wall. Nattawut circles out and returns to the center where they trade a pair of high kicks. Nattawut partially lands a head kick before going back to the lead leg. They end the fight trading blows in close.

---

ONE 167 - Tawanchai vs. 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut official result

After five entertaining rounds of action, we went to the judges' scorecards, revealing that we had a majority decision, meaning two of the judges favored Tawanchai while another scored the bout a draw.

With the win, the Thai titleholder has extended his unbeaten streak to eight in a row while Jo Nattawut drops to 4-2 in Muay Thai competition under the ONE banner.

Tawanchai defeated Jo Nattawut via majority decision (ONE featherweight Muay Thai world championship)