ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Jo Nattawut preview and predictions

ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut is indeed a striker's paradise.

While all 12 scheduled bouts are expected to produce fireworks inside 'The Mecca of Muay Thai' Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, all eyes will be on the main event clash between two striking virtuosos with opposing styles.

In less than 24 hours, we'll finally see if Superbon's laser-like kicks can weather 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut's flaming fists of fury.

As always, Sportskeeda MMA's ONE Championship panel has shared their expert opinion and predicted how this massive slugfest will play out.

ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian Primetime on Sept. 27 via PPV at watch.onefc.com.

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Mike Murrillo

I expect a highly entertaining showdown between these two come fight night as they both compete all out and all heart.

Superbon exudes a lot of confidence in his game with his kicks and all, which is countered by the steady marksmanship, albeit low-key, of ‘Smokin’ Jo. That being said, the outcome of this match is very much open

However, I see Superbon winning by majority decision here on the strength that he will come out with more sense of urgency, seeing how a victory will earn him another shot at the featherweight Muay Thai title against reigning divisional king Tawanchai.

It is not saying though that Nattawut will be any less aggressive but with a scheduled title clash against Tawanchai in November, the game plan for him may be not to overextend himself and just let the fight come to him.

Still a battle of two top strikers in the game right now, and “must-see” is written all over it.

Prediction: Superbon via decision

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Vince Richards

Superbon versus Jo Nattawut may not be a world title fight, but the vibes around it feels as if it was.

Both have the power to knock anyone senseless, but the way Superbon and Nattawut do it could not be any more different.

Nattawut is a brawler who makes life miserable with his boxing, while Superbon operates from a distance and launches head kicks like a trebuchet.

I see this fight heading into the final third round, but I don’t see it ending in a judges’ decision.

Superbon, I feel, can sneak in one his trademark roundhouse kicks and finish Nattawut out cold in the final minute.

Nattawut can also finish Superbon with his boxing, a weakness that was made evident when the latter lost to Chingiz Allazov, but I just don’t see it happening ‘Smokin’ Jo’s way.

Prediction: Superbon via KO

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James De Rozario

Jo Nattawut is as good as it gets. Still, his overall arsenal will lack that extra bite needed to power past Superbon in their headliner contest this Friday.

I expect him to work his way into the pocket without much fuss. He will crack the Superbon Training Camp founder in a myriad of ways.

As seen in his all-out displays against Tawanchai, the 35-year-old also has a solid gas tank that will come in handy against someone as slick as Superbon.

However, Superbon always excels in a good ol' scrap, and this is where he will take control and flourish.

The ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world champion should depend on his kicks and teeps to minimize any incoming attack.

On top of that, his overall movement, speed, and timing might just be too much for 'Smokin' Jo to handle as the match wears on.

Prediction: Superbon via decision