‘Smokin’ Jo Nattawut confident he’ll end skid at Bampara Kouyate’s expense: “I have more power than him”

Jo Nattawut won't let the rough stretch he's been experiencing dampen his warrior spirit.

Instead of dwelling on his setbacks, the Thai veteran is putting all his energy into his opportunity to redeem himself this Friday, at ONE 170.

'Smokin' Jo will duke it out with No. 4 ranked Bampara Kouyate on Jan. 24 in the promotion's sold-out mega event at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

While Nattawut acknowledges the Frenchman's impressive set of skills, he pointed out a massive disparity between them.

According to the 35-year-old, Kouyate lacks explosive power, which will put him at a major disadvantage once they meet in the circle.

The former featherweight Muay Thai world title challenger told ONE Championship:

"His advantage is he’s taller. However, I think I have more power than him. Because of the fight he fought with Luke [Lessei], I think Luke was stronger. He just got elbowed and got a serious wound, which made him lose that fight."

Jo Nattawut has gone 1-3 in his last four matches, including back-to-back losses to ONE 170's headlining acts Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Superbon.

Still, the Thai Top Team representative is eager to prove he's still one of the best 155-pound strikers in the world.

Kouyate will indeed be an intriguing opponent for 'Smokin' Jo, especially if he comes out with the same aggression he showed against Luke Lessei.

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Superbon says he'll follow Jo Nattawut's plan of attack to dethrone Tawanchai

While Jo Nattawut did not get his hand raised in two meetings with Tawanchai, he succeeded in making the featherweight Muay Thai world champion appear human.

Superbon, who's set to challenge the 155-pound Muay Thai kingpin in the main event of ONE 170, said he'll use 'Smokin' Jo's trademark forward pressure and punches and bunches to push Tawanchai on the defensive.

The featherweight kickboxing world champion told ONE:

"Jo and I both have the same style of guards, which lets me see Tawanchai’s weaknesses clearer and also figure out the plan of what to do better."

ONE 170 will air live in Asian primetime via watch.onefc.com.