Tawanchai to defend Muay Thai gold against Jo Nattawut in trilogy showdown at ONE 169: Atlanta

Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Jo Nattawut will add another chapter to their rivalry when the world's largest martial arts organization returns to the United States for its third on-ground showcase, ONE 169: Atlanta, in American primetime on November 8.

The ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion puts his gold on the line inside the State Farm Arena – home to the Atlanta Hawks – against his fellow Thai in a five-round scrap that has fireworks written all over it.

The PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym star has been on an absolute tear since claiming the coveted 26-pound gold on the global stage, but amongst his massive victories lie a rivalry against 'Smokin' Jo that deserves to get a bit more of the spotlight.

The No.3-ranked divisional contender stepped up on short notice to replace Superbon at ONE Fight Night 15 in October last year. While many saw the generational talent cruising to another majestic display, the challenger had other ideas.

'Smokin' Jo fought with plenty of heart, delivering a thrilling back-and-forth kickboxing tilt that captured the attention of the watching world. Many believed that he deserved to nudge home, at the very least, a split decision over Tawanchai in their first encounter.

Things, however, remained as they were, but that only made up for a more entertaining rematch when they crossed paths for the second time at ONE 167 inside the Impact Arena this past June.

With a full training camp for both superstars, their redo once again was a high-octane contest that saw both men take their chances in a battle of technicality, knockout power, and intelligence.

Still, Tawanchai emerged with his hand raised and the featherweight Muay Thai crown. However, yet again, many pointed out that Nattawut could have easily gone on to halt his Thai counterpart's lengthy winning streak.

Immediately after the contest, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong took to the post-event press conference, sharing his desire to lock them in for a trilogy battle in Atlanta.

Now that the date and venue for Tawanchai-Nattawut III is locked in for ONE 169: Atlanta, combat sports enthusiasts can expect another highly entertaining matchup between the two Muay Thai specialists.

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Tawanchai says dream to be a two-sport king still very much on: "That has been one of my goals"

In an interview with Sportskeeda MMA earlier this month, the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion said he has no plans to put the brakes on his two-sport dream in ONE Championship.

He shared:

"I'm still interested in crossing over to kickboxing. That has always been one of my goals, to be a champion of the kickboxing division."

Under kickboxing rules, Tawanchai has amassed a pair of wins over Davit Kiria via a third-round TKO and Nattawut. He currently sits at the No.4 spot in the most stacked striking division today.